Category: Uncategorized

This video is a summary of some of the great points that we were able to deliver in partnership with The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. While the focus in on seniors, these scams and frauds can cimpact anyone, so we hope that you find this information useful.

Recording of our past anti-fraud webinars are available here:

NWL Anti-Fraud Seminar I

NWL Anti-Fraud Seminar II

NWL Anti-Fraud Seminar III

Support NWL & Over 55 For a Chance at up to $50,000!

Support our 50/50 draw fundraiser with a maximum prize of $50,000. You can purchase 5 tickets for $20 online at London5050.ca.

The final draw will be held on January 31st, 2022 at the Kiwanis Seniors Centre.

COVID-19 Update

Much continues to happen in regards to the pandemic. This includes the recent extension of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. For information, visit the Middlesex London Health Unit’s website: M-L Health Unit COVID 19 

Of course, we’re all keeping our eyes on the new Omicron variant, which emerged this month as the dominant strain across the London area. That’s prompted warnings from health officials as people prepare holiday gatherings. Here’s a link to a recent news report. 

Omicron variant – CBC News article

Holiday Advice from London Police Service

It’s the most wonderful time of year, so don’t let thieves ruin it! ?

Always lock your door when you’re away and do not leave presents out that are visible from the outside of the house. ? #LockItOrLoseIt! See suspicious behaviour? Call us! ? #12DaysofSafety #LdnOnt pic.twitter.com/dMk7Yh2vpl

— London Police Service ON (@lpsmediaoffice) December 23, 2021

@lpsmediaoffice

This is a joyous and magical time to spend with your closest family and friends, but one mishap can make the season not so festive! Follow along each day as we share #12DaysOfSafety tips on our social media channels to help all #LdnOnt residents have a safe holiday season. 

Fire Safety Advice from London Fire Department 

London Fire Department

@LdnOntFire

Real Christmas trees drink up to 4 litres of water per day. Make sure to water daily and keep your tree away from any ignition source such as the fireplace, heaters or candles. 

See how quickly a dried out Christmas tree fire burns. Water every day! #WinterFireSafety #Christmastreesafety by following the link to this video:

Christmas Fire Safety

Digital Safety

Windsor Police Service has come out with a new digital safety booklet to help non tech-savvy individuals protect their online safety. It offers valuable advice on everything from securing your devices, to password management, to avoiding scams. You can download a copy of the booklet by clicking here:

Digital Safety for the Non Tech-Savvy

Calling All Canine Lovers!

London Police Services has published its 2022 Canine Calendar in celebration of the Canine Unit’s 50th anniversary. Calendars can be purchased at London Police Headquarters, but please be advised that stock is limited. 

Until our next newsletter, we hope that you stay happy healthy! Happy 2022!

November is a time of remembrance for the people who have served our country. It’s also a time for showing gratitude for their efforts, and recognizing the value of peacetime.

 

Crime Prevention Week

November 7-13 was Crime Prevention Week for 2021. Check out these timely tweets from London Police and OPP. 

Crime prevention is key! It doesn’t take long for thieves to steal. Never leave electronics or personal belongings unattended. Lock all windows and doors at home and for extra security, use door jams and window tracks. https://t.co/hU8hOFpnW3 #LockItOrLoseIt #CPWeek2021 #LdnOnt pic.twitter.com/bilDP1Pglo

— London Police Service ON (@lpsmediaoffice) November 13, 2021

#MiddlesexOPP supporting Crime Prevention Week #CPWeek2021 “Safe Communities, Stronger Ontario”. If you have been a #victim of #crime we have many supports in place to assist you such as Victim Services @vsmiddlesex and our very own #OPP Victim Specialists. You are not alone! ^jh pic.twitter.com/weEaQ2vu7g

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) November 9, 2021

Whatever YOU do, please do NOT click on the link provided. This reminder comes after a message was received on an #OPP cellphone. Just another scammer trying to get info. For the latest in scams, please visit @canantifraud. Take care and stay safe. Ed ^es pic.twitter.com/PEqv4DMROh

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) November 18, 2021

Neighbourhood Watch London Webinar – Seniors & Fraud Prevention

We were pleased to welcome Carol Gilmour from the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre as host of our October 28th webinar on Seniors and Fraud Prevention. The CFAC is an important resource for information on how to recognize scams as well as what to do if you’ve fallen victim to fraud. As a follow-up to her presentation, Carol provided us with the publication: Seniors 2021 Fraud Information Package. We are sharing it with you by clicking the link below. 

Seniors & Fraud Prevention

A Distress Signal Helps Save Teen

This hand signal is being credited with helping save the life of a missing North Carolina girl. The 16-year-old was rescued by police after she recently used the gesture and it was recognized by people who knew what it meant, and were able to call for help. The made-in-Canada signal was originally developed for women facing domestic abuse, and it’s believed the 16-year-old girl learned the signal after it went viral on Tik Tok. It’s a simple gesture that involves tucking the thumb into the palm, and covering the thumb with four fingers.  Here’s a link for more information.

COVID-19 Update

Booster shots became available this month for eligible people. These include First Nations, Inuit and Metis adults as well as health care workers and designated essential caregivers in congregate settings (including long-term care home and retirement home staff and designated caregivers), and those born on or before 1951. For eligibility detail visit healthunit.com/covid19vaccine eligibility 

Parking on City of London Streets

As of November 1, parking your personal vehicle is restricted on city of London streets between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. Residents and visitors are required to register their vehicle to park overnight on most streets, and vehicles without a valid overnight parking pass may be ticketed. A maximum of 15 free overnight parking passes may be issued per vehicle license plate from November 1 and April 30. The passes can be obtained by phoning the city at 519-661-4537 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., or by going online at Overnight Parking

Raking Leaves Safely

November is a time to clear our lawn of leaves. Here are some tips from the Cleveland Clinic on how to avoid back  injury while raking leaves.

• Stretch before you start. Loosen your arms, neck, shoulders and back since these are the areas that you work the most while raking.
• Follow proper raking techniques. Keep your back straight and keep the rake close to your body, as you can strain muscles by reaching too far.
• Bend at the knees, while keeping your back straight, when you pick up leaves.

For more tips visit: How to Rake Leaves Without Hurting Your Back

Until next month, stay safe & healthy!

Greetings from Neighbourhood Watch London!

Fall colours are always a beautiful sight and they’re at their best in October. We hope that you’re enjoying the panorama, and that you are staying safe, happy, and healthy.

COVID-19

There have been some key developments in relation to the pandemic in recent weeks. This includes the announcement that fully vaccinated Canadians will be allowed to enter the United States at border crossings beginning in November, U.S. to reopen land border . You can stay current with the Ontario government’s pandemic planning by visiting the province’s website link, COVID 19 Public Health Measures and Advice.

Fire Prevention Week

Get Loud! That was the theme and the title of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, which took place October 3-9. The 2021 campaign focused on making sure everyone has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. “Get to know the sounds your alarms make. If the alarm doesn’t sound, install a new battery. If the alarm still doesn’t sound, replace the alarm with a new, certified one,” advises Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. Here’s some other timely fire prevention advice via Twitter:

Smoke alarms give you the early warning you need to escape a fire, so test them monthly. #GetLoud #SmokeAlarmsSaveLives #FirePreventionWeek pic.twitter.com/oCbUWnBi0W

— Office of the Fire Marshal (@ONFireMarshal) October 4, 2021

Halloween Safety

October means Halloween. And with the pandemic, there are considerations to keep in mind to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy. A recent news article, Public Health Do’s and Don’t For Trick-Or-Treating, has suggested precautions from the Region of Waterloo’s chief medical officer of health.

Trick-or-Treaters:

• Stay home if sick
• Follow an outdoor route
• Wait for others to leave a home before approaching
• Wear a face covering

Giving out Candy

• Wash hands before giving out candy
• Only hand out purchased and packaged treats
• Wear a face mask
• Don’t ask trick-or-treaters to shout or sing

Fraud Prevention

#DYK that cybercrime continues to be the cyber threat that is most likely to affect Canadians and Canadian organizations? It’s estimated that only 5-10% of all cybercrimes and frauds are reported to police. #GetCyberSafe https://t.co/FEz6u1vW87 pic.twitter.com/wkFLyGAX92

— RCMP in Ontario (@RCMPONT) October 12, 2021

We invite you to join us via Zoom on Thursday October 28th, at 1 p.m. for the latest in Neighbourhood Watch London’s series of webinars on seniors and fraud prevention. The upcoming seminar will feature Carol Gilmour from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Carol’s presentation will focus on how to recognize, reject and report “tech support” scams aimed at seniors. Keep an eye out for the email link we will be sending you closer to the date.

Until next month, stay safe and stay healthy!

-The Neighbourhood Watch London Team

We hope that you had a Happy Valentine’s Day and that you and your loved ones are staying safe and connected, as we continue to follow COVID 19 rules and regulations.

Mark your Calendars

February is Black History Month. To mark the occasion, London Police Service celebrated its Trailblazing Award winners with a virtual event on the 26th. The award recognizes outstanding youth, and celebrates the contributions of Sergeant Lewis Coray, the first black officer hired by London Police Service. This year’s keynote speaker is Barbara Nathoo, a passionate advocate for children’s education. For more information visit the LPS website London Police Service

COVID 19

We’re all keeping a close eye on provincial regulations impacted by COVID 19. It’s also a good idea to stay on top of potential scams and issues of concern related to the pandemic. The Government of Canada maintains a website with up-to-date information COVID 19 Frauds & Scams. The site also has informative content about other related issues. For example, the site addresses misinformation that has arisen during the pandemic. One such topic is titled “Exposure to electromagnetic fields”. The subheading states: “Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 5G devices doesn’t spread COVID-19. There is no scientific basis behind these claims.”

As the vaccine rollout continues, there are media reports that the province will be launching a web portal for bookings. The Global News report says a successful pilot project was carried out in January, and the hope is to have the portal up and running by late February or early March.

The Thames Valley District School Board has introduced a way for students to stay fit during the pandemic. It’s called the Red Shirt Effect. The name refers to athletes who may not be on the playing field, but are still part of the team. Workouts have been developed to be used at home that require a minimum of equipment and space. Details can be found on the TVDSB website: New initiative produces student with virtual fitness. 

Winter Safety

Falls are the most common cause of injury among Canadians seniors. According to Statistics Canada, it’s estimated 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will experience at least one fall each year. Winter can be especially treacherous, and with that in mind, the Mayo Clinic has advice on its website about helping to prevent falls. This includes: 

• Take care in risky locations. Check to see if the ground is slippery when exiting a car.
• Allow for extra time.
• Check your gait. Use a slower and wider gait for better stability.
• Dress appropriately.
• Carry a cell phone with you.

For more tips visit: Avoiding the slip: Winter Fall Prevention 

Pet Protection in the Cold Weather 

Our pets are also vulnerable to cold, and it’s helpful to keep these SPCA tips in mind.

• Know your dog’s limits. Some are more susceptible to the cold because of their age or breed.
• Check your car hood to ensure a cat hasn’t crawled under there for warmth.
• Wipe your dog’s paws. Avoid having them lick off road salt, antifreeze or de-icers.

Additional advice can be found at:  Top 10 Winter Weather Tips for Pets