Mid-September News

Disturbing incident last Saturday night

An incident occurred at one of the houses near to the Longbow entrance to the Medway Valley. The homeowners were awoken at 3am by a loud pounding on the front door. 911 was called and a car was seen speeding away. Unfortunately the police had not arrived an hour later and when the homeowner called back, the 911 operator told them that the police were busy downtown and would get there when they could. At 5am the 911 person called back and let the homeowner know it would still be a while. The homeowner told 911 that the intruder had gone. Upon examining the front door, the residents found deep indents in the steel door, apparently made with some kind of tool. This was added to the report.

At about 6:30am the police finally showed up. Apparently it was a busy night downtown, and someone trying to break down our door in the middle of the night was a lower priority. Since the perpetrator(s) left without further action, I guess that is understandable, but if they had continued for an hour as the 911 person had asked, that would be quite terrifying especially since the door is mostly glass.

The resident agreed to share this experience in order to alert you and other neighbors and to remind people to keep an eye out for suspicious activity in the neighborhood.

At last week’s ward meeting attended by the police, a question was asked if having lights on at night is a deterrent. The police suggested that motion activated lights are best, but that lighting can help neighbours see if there is someone prowling about.

It was made clear at the meeting that the police pay attention to what they call “hot spots.” Hot spots are areas from which the police receive reports of thefts, break ins to garages, bike thefts, etc. The recommendation made at the meeting was “report, report, report.” The police non-emergency number is 519-661-5670. Even minor thefts should be reported.

We are looking into conducting a Community Safety Audit.

Municipal Election news

To check if you are on the voter list, go to: http://www.london.ca/city-hall/elections/voter-info/Pages/Am-I-on-the-List.aspx

All the Mayoral candidates have received three questions from the Ratepayers with a due date of October 2 for a response. The replies will be posted.

We have cancelled the All Candidates meeting which had been planned for September 26th at Brescia. There are a number of other meetings and the Free Press web site has the candidates’ replies to their questionnaire on the Free Press web site.

Upcoming All Candidates meetings are listed at on the City’s website at: http://www.london.ca/city-hall/elections/voter-info/Pages/All-Candidates-Meetings.aspx

Election Day is October 22 and the City is using a ranked ballot for the city (but not school board) election. For more information on the ranked ballot see: http://www.london.ca/city-hall/elections/ranked-choice-voting/Pages/default.aspx

Youth Transit Pass

Those 13 to 17 years of age, can now save money on transit through the new Youth Transit Pass! One place to get the pass is at the Aquatic Centre across Wonderland Road

More information is available at: http://www.london.ca/residents/Roads-Transportation/Transportation-Choices/Pages/Youth-Transit-Pass.aspx