Excerpt from The BANAR June 2024
Don Kelly, BCA Safety
Help deter bike theft!
With the arrival of spring, many of us have moved our bikes out of the shed with anticipation of joyful rides along the many bike paths and trails offered to us in Ottawa. Unfortunately, this is also the time when thieves move about our neighbourhood to steal our bikes and ruin these joyful experiences. But there is something you can do to mitigate this potential loss! The Ottawa Police have a program called Project 529 Garage, which is a comprehensive bike registry and recovery system that deters bike theft, increases the likelihood that stolen bikes will be returned to their owners and provides an investigative tool for police to identify stolen bikes. To learn more about this successful tool, visit project529. com/garage. Remember, report all theft of bikes, small or large, to the Ottawa Police.
Don’t fall victim to scams!
Nowadays, scammers are hitting every level of our society: young people, seniors, and folks from all income levels. But you can protect yourself from scams and fraud! Here are some tips:
- Do not be intimidated by high-pressure sales tactics. request the information in writing. • Do not let urgent pleas play on your emotions or decision-making.
- Never give your personal information to anyone who calls, texts, emails or comes to the door.
- If someone you to pay in advance of receiving any goods, know that it is illegal for a company to ask you to pay upfront before they give you a loan.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre collects information on fraud and identity theft. They provide information on past and current scams affecting Canadians. Learn more at their website. And remember, If you think you’re a victim of fraud, report it!