Newcomers may feel anxious about living in a new community. There may be dangers. They may not know who to call for help.

Follow these to protect yourself and your family:

Safety basics

1. Check your doors, windows and security alarms (burglar and fire).
2. Your house number should be clear. The police and ambulance can find your house easily when there is an emergency.
3. Check for hidden entrances to your home.
4. Do not leave belongings in your backyard or garage. Lock your garage door.
5. Have emergency numbers nearby.
6. Know your neighbours. Watch out for each other and keep your community safe.

The Neighbourhood Watch

1. Neighbourhood Watch is a neighbourhood safety program. Volunteers patrol the surroundings to prevent crimes.
2. Look for the Neighbourhood Watch logo in your area.
3. It is displayed on posts, on your neighbour’s yard, or on windows as a sticker.
4. Ask your neighbours if you want to get involved.

Keep your kids safe

1. Never leave young kids alone at home.
2. Make sure that your child is ready to be left alone even if he or she is 12 years old and older.
3. Teach your children what to do in case of an emergency.
4. For other safety tips, read Tips for keeping your kids safe
5. Go to Cyber tip.ca and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s Kids in the know for more tips on keeping your kids safe.

Frauds and scams

1. There are people who will try to trick you into giving them money.
2. They can contact you by phone, mail, email or talk to you personally.
3. Sometimes they can be someone you know.
4. An example of this illegal activity is the CRA phone scam.
• A scammer calls a person pretending to be from CRA.
• The scammer will tell the person he owes money to CRA. If he does not pay it, he will go to prison.
• Read about it from this CBC news article: ‘Big game changer’: CRA phone scam revs up as fraudsters start calling cellphones.
5. Read other examples of fraud: Winnipeg 311, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
6. Sign up for consumer alerts by email at the Manitoba.ca site.
7. Report to the Winnipeg Police Service at 204-986-6222 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (Phonebusters) toll free at 1-888-495-8501 if you are a victim of fraud.
8. Know how to stay safe when using the internet. Read 5 tips for online safety to know more.

Complaints

1. Call your nearest police station or the Winnipeg Police Service (204-986-6222) for issues or complaints.
2. Complaints are kept private.