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NWL November 2020 Newsletter

NWL November 2020 Newsletter

November is a time of remembrance for those who have served their country. Neighbourhood Watch London would like to express our gratitude to the men and women who have given so much in times of war and peace to help us live in this wonderful community.

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NWL Needs Your Support!

As you know, COVID-19 has presented a difficult situation for our entire community, including Neighbourhood Watch London. Our goal is to continue to serve you, and we hope that you will consider supporting us with either an NWL Plus membership – $25 a year – or a one-time donation. Any amounts of $20 or more are tax deductible. You can learn more here.

Crime Prevention Week

The first week of November is Crime Prevention Week in Ontario. It’s dedicated to raising awareness of safety, and is supported by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ministry of the Solicitor General, and police services across Ontario. Because of the pandemic, the London Police Service used social media this year to share crime prevention tips and messages. A live Q & A was also held where members of the public could provide input. 

“During difficult times such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, so many people in our community are feeling anxious. That’s why it is especially important to come together to prevent crimes before they start. Many crimes are preventable and Crime Prevention Week is a great opportunity for Londoners to think about what they can do to keep their families, neighbourhoods, schools, and workplaces safe from criminal activities.” said Sgt. Chris Carne, supervisor of the LPS Community Services Section.

For more tips, visit the London Police Service crime prevention site.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness

November 1-7 also marked Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week in Ontario. It’s an annual reminder by the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal to test carbon monoxide detectors as well as ensure all fuel burning appliances, chimneys and outside vents are inspected to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Here is how you can help protect yourself from the dangers of carbon monoxide:

  • Look for signs of exposure which could include flu-like symptoms – headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and in extreme cases, death.
  • If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone out of the home and into fresh air, and call 9-1-1.
  • Read the manufacturer’s instructions for your carbon monoxide alarms to know the difference between the sound of an alarm and the sound of a low battery or end of life warning. Test your alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the sound of each alarm.

There are more safety tips and information on this Ontario government website.

Road Safety

Here’s a timely tweet from OPP West Region for driving in the fall:

In 2019, OPP responded to more than 500 collisions involving deer, with most occurring during the fall and winter months. To reduce the chances of such an occurrence, the Wildlife Collision Prevention Program publishes Hints for the Highway. These include:

Reduce Speed

Speed is one of the most common factors in vehicle collisions. Speed:

  • Reduces the drivers ability to steer away from objects in the roadway
  • Extends the distance required to stop
  • Increases the force of impact, in the event of a collision

With good road conditions, drivers tend to increase their speed. Some studies suggest that wildlife vehicle collisions occur more than expected on clear nights, on dry road conditions and on long straight stretches. Drivers may tend to be more cautious on curves or in poor weather.

Drive Defensively

Anecdotally, there seems to be some evidence that animals that approach from the right side are avoided more successfully than animals that approach from the left, as drivers headlights illuminate that portion of the road better, and drivers pay close attention to the right hand side of the road and the ditch – so remember to pay equal attention to both the right and left hand sides of the road. 

To Swerve or Not to Swerve?

If animals such as deer are in your way –  think carefully. Is it safe to swerve? Do not take unsafe evasive actions. Serious accidents can occur when drivers lose control of their vehicles trying to avoid an animal. 

For more information visit the following website:

Wildlife Collision Prevention Program

City of London – Parking

Beginning November 1, the City of London requires residents and visitors to obtain an overnight parking pass to park vehicles on city streets. This is in effect until April 30, 2021. The pass is free of charge, however there’s a limit of 15 free passes per vehicle license plate. The passes can be obtained online, or by calling 519-661-4537, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Information can be found here: City of London Parking

Fraud Awareness

November is Financial Literacy Awareness Month, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre wants to make Canadians more aware of fraud. So far this year the Centre has received more than 40-thousand reports from Canadians involving 19,000 victims and reported losses exceeding $67 million.  Here are some tips from the Centre on how to protect yourself:

  • Do not trust the information on your call display because it can easily be manipulated
  • Do not provide your personal or financial information on demand
  • Do not open an attachment or click a link in an unsolicited email or text message
  • Create a unique and complicated password for each of your accounts

For additional tips visit:

The Canadian Anti Fraud Centre

Until next month, we hope that you stay healthy, and we look forward to connecting with you in December for our final newsletter of 2020!

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NWL

NWL Needs Your Help!

As you know, COVID-19 has presented a difficult situation for our entire community, including Neighbourhood Watch London. Our goal is to continue to serve you, and we hope that you will consider supporting us with either an NWL Plus membership – $25 a year – or a one-time donation. Any amounts of $20 or more are tax deductible. You can learn more about membership benefits and how we operate below.

Engaged Members Make for an Effective Watch

Since 2001, Neighbourhood Watch London (NWL) has been helping build better communities throughout the Forest City. We help residents to take positive steps to improve their communities by working with them to identify, mitigate, and report community development and safety issues.

How Are We Funded?

NWL is independent of both the City of London (including any related municipal bodies) and the London Police Service. Our funding comes from business and individual membership fees, provincial grants, and donations from our members and concerned citizens like yourself.

Two-Tiered Membership

NWL now has two levels of membership available:

General Membership for NWL is free and gives you access to our programs which promote community betterment through safety, engagement, and civic participation.

NWL+ is $25/year and fully tax-deductible since we are a registered charity. Members of the Plus Program can save up to 10% on home insurance through Allstate Insurance Canada. Additionally, NWL+ offers members health benefits as well as discounts from local retailers.

Giving Helps Make Your Neighbourhood Safer

As a registered charity, NWL relies on the generosity of our members and members of the community at large. To continue being a reliable resource and advocate for safer, more cohesive neighbourhoods, NWL needs your support. Because it is only together that we can achieve our mutual goal of creating and maintaining vibrant, engaged communities all across the Forest City. 

Join NWL+ today and start taking advantage of these awesome benefits!

Already a member and wish to donate? Email us at: info@nwlondon.ca to learn how. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. 

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October 2020 Newsletter

NWL - Trick or Treat

Greetings From NWL!

What’s New at NWL:

Fall has arrived and we hope you are staying safe, and making the best of the season in these challenging times. Of course the pandemic is top of mind as we look at daily reports of COVID numbers and subsequent measures to curb the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 and Halloween


The pandemic has raised questions and concerns among families about trick-or-treating this year. Recent media reports include comments by Mayor Ed Holder and Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Chris Mackie, which highlight considerations in planning for Halloween. We’ve put together a special Halloween guide for our members, which you can read here: NWL COVID-19 Halloween Tips

A Special Note From London Police Service Regarding Increased Bank Fraud


Be aware of recent reports of personal banking fraud. Here’s how the scam works: The victim is approached by someone who says they’ve lost their wallet or phone. The suspect asks for assistance, sending a fake electronic fund transfer to the victim. The victim is convinced to withdraw cash from an ATM, and hands the money over to the suspect. After the suspect has left the area, the victim realizes they have been defrauded. In another scenario, the victim is asked to deposit a cheque by the suspect into their personal bank account and turn over the money to the suspect. The victim later discovers the cheque was fraudulent.

“The London Police Service would like to remind the public that agreeing to withdraw funds from a bank account for a stranger is very risky, and usually ends up in a situation where the victim loses money. Any time someone wants to use your personal bank account for their benefit, it comes with great risk and should be avoided to protect the integrity of your bank account and personal finances” according to the London Police website.

Why Reporting is Important


A man has been charged after citizens called police following a break and enter at an east-end London business. Police received a call about 11:30 p.m. September 26th, concerning a man said to be holding a shovel outside a Dundas St. building. Officers arrived to find a glass door had been damaged. A man fitting the description of the suspect was taken into custody and property belonging to the business was recovered. To quote police: “We want to take this opportunity to thank the members of the public for reporting crimes to the London Police Service. Often things go unreported, and we continue to remind Londoners, when we don’t know – we can’t go.”

Canine Kudos!


Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes they have four legs! London police dog Koda, is being credited with helping the Canine Unit catch a stolen vehicle suspect. The vehicle had been taken from south London residence September 28th. Police tracked down the van, and as they approached the vehicle, the suspect fled into an alley. Koda led police to a man hiding inside a large garbage dumpster. The suspect has been charged with theft over $5000.


London’s Strategic Plan – What’s in it For You?


You might want to take some time to familiarize yourself with London’s newest strategic plan. A strategic plan is used by municipalities like London, to outline priorities for the coming years. London’s 2019-2023 strategic plan is available for viewing on the city’s website. Regarding community safety, the plan includes commitments to:

  • Reduce collision-related injuries and fatalities through public education and enhanced traffic enforcement.
  • Reduce crime through increased visibility of community patrols and partnership with other agencies to address multi-jurisdictional criminal activity.
  • Reduce victimization/revictimization through public education, promotion and encouragement of public engagement in crime prevention strategies.


London’s strategic plan also aligns with NWL’s commitment to neighbourhood building, with pledges to:

  • Strengthen engagement opportunities for all Londoners to participate in their neighbourhoods.
  • Support neighbourhood festivals, cultural events and activities across the city.
  • Implement programs and services that respond to neighbourhood recreation needs.

Our New Website is Here!


If you’ve visited nwlondon.ca recently, then you’ve seen our new design! With COVID-19, we need to transition to digital communications, and our new website has great new information for all of our members. We welcome your feedback, so be sure to e-mail info@nwlondon.ca and let us know what you think!

NWL Needs Your Support


COVID-19 has presented challenges for many non-profits, and we are no exception. In order to maintain the viability of NWL, we have created a new tier of membership: NWL Plus. This membership will offer exclusive resources, as well as special discounts and perks from local businesses who are part of our new My Business Neighbourhood Program. Membership is only $25 a year and is tax deductible. You can learn more here.


Until next month, we hope that you stay safe and healthy.


Sincerely,
The NWL Team