COUNCILLOR TALKS CRIME AT MEETINGS

Community Meetings

Toronto Police's drug squad busted a marijuana grow-op in Long Branch worth
an estimated street value of more than $200,000 last week.

The discovery happened unexpectedly as two community response officers made
a routine traffic stop of a vehicle police officers said was driving
erratically along Dominion Road.

Upon further questioning of two males, police uncovered a large marijuana
growing operation.

"Even before opening up the apartment door there was a strong marijuana
smell," said Staff-Sgt. Jim Winter who reported there has already been four
drug-related busts in the area since the beginning of the year.

"Some of it was already packaged and some of it was in the growing stage."

Aware of and seeking to combat this type of criminal activity in south
Etobicoke, Ward 6 Councillor Mark Grimes (Etobicoke-Lakeshore), with the
help of 22 Division police, has organized a series of four upcoming
community safety sessions.

"With the closure of the 22 Division substation people were asking how they
can get involved," said Grimes, noting he finds there are unique
circumstances for each community. "I think it's very important we listen to
the community."

The information seminars, which Grimes hopes will act as a stepping stone
for the future formation of several local community associations, will look
at a number of policing concerns in the area.

"It's a great way to better communicate with the community," added Grimes,
who recently went on a ride-along with Sgt. Russ Clark to learn more about
policing in his ward.

At the meeting, Winter also expects to share details and field questions
about drinking along the lakeshore, drugs, prostitution, break and enters
and automotive theft.

"From our perspective we're informing people about their communities," he
said, mentioning speeding as an increasing problem throughout his division.

The first community safety session for Mimico residents happens tonight at
the Mimico Library's auditorium (47 Station Rd.).

The second gathering for Alderwood residents is May 4 at Father John
Redmond Secondary School's auditorium (300 Valermo Dr.).

The next meeting for Long Branch residents will be held May 9 at the
Assembly Hall's performance hall (1 Colonel Samuel Smith Dr.) and the final
session for New Toronto residents is May 26 (also at The Assembly Hall).
All seminars start at 7 p.m.

For more details call, 416-397-9273.