Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW) has taken its message to the water this summer.
Partnering with Wellington County OPP, CSGW has developed a Cottager Card that allows owners of recreational properties to record serial and model numbers of boats and motors in the event of theft. This is information police would need to aid in an investigation and allow property to be returned to the rightful owner.
The cards also have the CSGW logo, phone number and website to remind cottagers that crime can happen anywhere, and to think of CSGW to report these crimes safely and anonymously.
CSGW then joined Wellington County OPP’s Marine Unit June 30, on Belwood Lake in the Township of Centre Wellington. During interactions with boaters, CSGW sunglasses were handed out. This reinforced positive boating and recreational practices and increased awareness of the program. Part of the day was spent leading the annual Canada Day Boat Parade.
“We know the last thing people want to think about on vacation is the possibility of crime happening in their cottage community,” said Program Coordinator Sarah Bowers-Peter, “but the fact is that cottages are targeted since they can be vacant for long periods of time. There’s also the concern of fellow cottagers creating dangerous situations by not following safe boating practices. CSGW can take this information, forward it to Wellington County OPP’s Marine Unit and the Tipster is completely anonymous and their information is confidential.”
In partnership with the Marine Unit, CSGW sunglasses will be handed out to boaters on Belwood Lake in Centre Wellington Township and Conestoga Lake in the Township of Mapleton.
