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The safety and security of the Sargent Avenue neighbourhood are top priorities for the Sargent Business Community (SBC). In light of recent efforts by the City of Winnipeg, we want to share important information on the coordinated strategy being implemented to combat suspicious fires and arson, and how our businesses and residents can play a vital role.
The City, through its Problem Property Committee and Arson Prevention Group (involving WFPS, WPS, and City departments), is stepping up its efforts across three key areas: prevention, enforcement, and investigations.
What the City is Doing
The coordinated effort is focused on high-impact measures to reduce fire risks, including:
- Securing Vacant Buildings: Implementing stricter standards and performing thousands of inspections to ensure vacant buildings are secure.
- Removing Fuel: Conducting targeted sweeps to clear away debris and illegal dumping that could be used to start fires.
- Investigating Incidents: The Winnipeg Police Service Major Crimes Unit and WFPS Fire investigators are working closely together on suspicious fire investigations.
Your Role: How to Help Keep Sargent Avenue Safe
Police and Fire officials stress that collaboration is key. The community is the eyes and ears of the neighbourhood, and your vigilance can prevent an incident before it happens.
Please use these contact numbers to report potential risks:
| Situation | Action to Take | Contact |
| Active Emergency / Crime in Progress (Seeing someone tampering with security boards or actively entering a vacant property) | Call 9-1-1 immediately. | 9-1-1 |
| Maintenance / Bylaw Issue (Noticing boarded windows/doors on a vacant building have been breached, but no one is currently trying to enter) | Contact 311. | 3-1-1 |
| Environmental Issue (Reporting illegal dumping or accumulated garbage and debris near your property or a business) | Contact 311. | 3-1-1 |
| Non-Urgent Information (Information about past suspicious activities that could result in arson) | Call WPS Non-Emergency or Crime Stoppers. | 204-986-6222 or 204-786-TIPS (8477) |
