CRIME PREVENTION GROUP CAPS OFF SECOND STAGE OF PROGRAM

Summer is here, vacations have started, and everyone is winding down,
but CAP (Crime Activity Prevention) is still in full swing, keeping
busy with a crime prevention focus for Flamborough.

The CAP program has accomplished much since it was launched two years
ago. Formed through a concern about crime brought forth by Councillor
Margaret McCarthy and a few local businesses in Flamborough, CAP
obtained funding when FICS (Flamborough Information & Community
Services) applied for and received funds from the National Crime
Prevention Strategy for the creation of a program to fight crime in
Flamborough through a grassroots approach to address the social
determinants of crime before it happens.

The first stage of CAP's mandate comprised a community-wide survey
conducted early last spring. The CAP program was based on - and
addresses - the concerns of Flamborough residents that were expressed
in two community consultations and a community based meeting hosted by
the Rotary Club of Waterdown (check our website www.infoflam.on.ca/cap
for detailed information and survey results).

CAP identified some social determinants of crime such as drug use,
lack of supervision of youth and school bullying. CAP has an excellent
anti-bullying kit with books, DVD's and resources for teachers, which
we have been lending out to schools. A number of Flamborough schools
have already utilized the kit and have incorporated it into their
social skills program. It is available to any Flamborough school.

CAP also created two pamphlets, one for crime prevention (Crime
Prevention Tips for Businesses and Home) and one for parents around
parties, drugs & alcohol (Parent Tips on Parties, Drugs and Alcohol).
Both pamphlets are available at the FICS office at 163 Dundas St. E,
Waterdown or online at the above website.

The Crime Prevention Tips are a handy resource about protecting
residential and business properties, inside and out. The parents'
party pamphlet was created at the request of John Deven, former
Waterdown High School Principal who had a concern about safety of the
kids around bush parties, drugs and alcohol. The pamphlet was created
with up-to-date information regarding laws and responsibilities of
parents, leaving kids home alone, parties (bush parties), signs of
drug use, over the counter medication, and much more. A must-have for
parents of children 10 years or older.

Other areas residents wanted addressed included a lack of respect by
youth, lack of proper supervision and parenting skills. CAP's goal was
to assist in improving and supporting local parents in better
connecting with and disciplining their kids, helping them make better
choices and taking responsibility. CAP offers classes for parents of
pre-teens and teens and parents of children aged 2 to 7 years old.
Many Flamborough schools opened their doors to hosting these classes
with great success.

A number of schools also promoted the program in their school
newsletters. The first 6-week program ran at the Flamborough YMCA last
year and continues to grow in popularity.

Comments concerning local youth were a major concern to Flamborough.
CAP continues to address the "lack of things to do for youth" in
Flamborough, particularly those between 12 and 15 years old. The
likelihood of youth engaging in negative behaviours such as break and
enter happens when youth have few positive choices to fill their free
time. CAP has organized a partnership with the Waterdown Rotary, The
Interact Club at Waterdown High School, Flamborough YMCA and the City
of Hamilton to plan a Youth Centre.

The partners have been meeting to develop a program for youth that
will take place at Memorial Hall on Friday evenings from 6-9 p.m.,
starting this September. (The space is being provided by the City of
Hamilton). The YMCA is offering their leadership in providing staff to
ensure that the program will be interesting and safe for the kids. The
Interact students, under the guidance of the Rotary Club, will be
involved in supervising and relationship building.

The centre will offer a good mixture of activities such as floor
hockey, ping-pong and pool table, videos and quiet stations for
homework, crafts, etc. One of the more attractive activities will be
an Xbox with a large flat screen monitor. More information will be
available later this summer.

The partners are providing operational funds for start-up costs for
the youth centre. A small grant from the Hamilton Community Foundation
has also been received. CAP is currently researching sustainable
funding, and would like to hear from businesses or individuals
interested in supporting this venture.

Those interested in supporting the Waterdown youth centre can help in
a few ways. Donations are welcome, and can be made be calling FICS
and/or by joining Flamborough Information and Community Services in
their annual 5 km Twilight Walkathon being held on September 8 to
support this crime prevention initiative. For information and pledge
sheets, contact the CAP office at 163 Dundas St. E. or call Shelley
Scott or Karen Brown at Flamborough Information and Community Services
at 905-689-7880. You can also download the pledge sheet from the web
site.