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A real need for businesses to work with Crime Stoppers: Sawyer continued from p.3 Oakville Chamber of Commerce President John Sawyer noted local chambers, which are involved in building strong, healthy, sustainable communities, were instrumental in bringing Crime Stoppers to Halton. "The research we've seen, shows the No. 1 issue in building a community is safety. That's what people want. They want to feel safe and secure in their homes," said Sawyer. "Crime is a very important concern for the business community. Businesses are not immune to crime. Everything from shoplifting to armed robbery, fraud, counterfeiting of currency and products, all has a negative effect on the business community." Sawyer noted even crimes such as vandalism and graffiti could shape a person's perception that an area is unsafe. Places viewed as unsafe are not welcoming environments for customers and can impact business, he said. Businesses benefit from Crime Stoppers "We understand there is a real need for businesses to work with Crime Stoppers, and the police, to not only deal with white-collar crime and criminal activity targeting commercial enterprises, but businesses also need to be aware of new trends in crime in our increasingly computerized and highly-technical world." Ministry of Natural Resources Provincial Enforcement Specialist Paula Norlock said the ministry has its own tip line, but noted it cannot guarantee anonymity and directs callers to Crime Stoppers for this. She said tips that come from Crime Stoppers often turn out to be the best because those will be from someone who, for example, is in a camp with a chronic poacher and witnesses them breaking the law. Crime Stoppers of Halton also recognized its media partners during the event, including Metroland Media Group West, which includes the Oakville Beaver, Burlington Post and Milton Canadian Champion, along with CHCH and Cogeco. Other partners recognized included the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, OPP , Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and others. Crime Stoppers of Halton receives no federal funding and relies on donations from the public to function. Donations allow Crime Stoppers to hold crime prevention events and offer rewards of up to $2,000 for tipsters, who offer valid information. 7 | Thursday, January 14, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com 25% DISCOUNT DIAMOND DIAMOND MONDAY TO FRIDAY 7AM TO 3PM Voted Best Accountant by Oakville Beaver Readers for 9 Consecutive Years CPA, CA, MBA, B. Eng Ricky Wong W For more information please check our website www.rickywong.ca · Accounting · Auditing · Taxation Upon purchase of a meal valued at $12 or more before tax, receive a 25% discount on your meal. Promotions are valid upon presentation of this coupon only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. One coupon per client, per visit. Not valid on the Early Bird and Table d'Hôte menus, and holidays. Valid from Monday to Friday at Ben & Florentine Oakville. Expiration date: January 22nd, 2016 1200 Speers Rd., Unit 32, Oakville, Ont. L6L 2X4 (905) 845 - 1408 | Fax (905) 845 - 5931 146 Lakeshore Rd. W. 905.338.6333 OAKVILLE OPEN HOUSE S a t u r d a y, J a n u a r y 23, 2016 10 : 0 0 a . m . t o 2 : 0 0 p . m . Rotherglen is so much more than a vibrant learning community. It's a place where curiosity is fostered, challenges are faced and achievements are celebrated. It's where students grow, become inspired, discover their talents and develop a love of learning. It's where every child's individual educational journey and experiences are nurtured and encouraged. Seeing is believing! Please join us on Saturday, January 23, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to learn how a Rotherglen education can be part of your child's bright future and path to success. Rotherglen, what school should be. Oakville Primary Campus Montessor i: Age 3 to Grade 1 2045 Sixth Line, Oakville, ON 905-338-3528 | mwilliamson@rotherglen.com Oakville Elementary Campus Grade 1 to 8 2050 Neyagawa Blvd., Oakville, ON 905-849-1897 | tdupreez@rotherglen.com w w w . r O t H E r g l E N . c O m