Before you need police

Get to know your local police officers well before you need them. Make a point of stopping in to local detachments to have a conversation. Here are some things to include:

• Be friendly, but to the point. Tell the police about your farm – where it is, what you do there, and who you live with.
• Be clear you are not asking for anything – just introducing yourself.
• Be professional. Express serious concern about issues that could affect your farm or your family.
• Get their names and keep in regular contact.

If you are targeted

If your property becomes a target, phone the police immediately. Be as clear as you possibly can about your understanding of the incident. Your goal is for them to send an officer to begin an investigation.

Crime scenes

• If you are dealing with a crime scene or potential crime scene, do not touch anything until police arrive.
• Take lots of photos.
• If you are aware of other events in the area, be sure to raise them with police.

Suspicious individuals

• If you are calling to report a suspicious individual in the area, be as clear as possible in your description.
• Communicate license plate number and vehicle description.
• Be as clear as possible about time of day, date and what you saw.

Tip: Do not assume that local law enforcement shares information. In rural Ontario some areas fall under provincial police jurisdictions while others are regional – they don’t always communicate. In addition to police, report instances to The Ag & Food Exchange to ensure your incident is on the radar.

Tip: Download a sample suspicious incident form here.

This project was funded in part through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of Growing Forward 2 in Ontario.