WELLINGTON COUNTY – Road signs promoting Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW) are being replaced as part of a new campaign.
CSGW chair Deryck West said existing signs are part of a program that started in 2012, with 22 signs across Guelph and Wellington County, but the signs are showing significant damage and wear.
West said some of the old signs had been vandalized, but vandalism attempts on the new signs will just wipe away due to the material used.
Crime Stoppers has taken that as an opportunity to redesign the signs and “come up with a fresh look,” West said.
He calls the new signs sleek and eye-popping, and said they are valuable in promoting awareness about CSGW.
Gradually, each of the old signs will be replaced with the new ones, starting with the signs in worst condition.
West said Guelph and Wellington County’s public works departments will be doing “the heavy work” to install the new signs, which would not be possible without support from community sponsors like Brad Barbour.
Barbour is a financial advisor and owner of Brad Barbour Insurance Group Inc, or the Guelph Co-Operators.
CSGW is still looking for sponsors for the new signs. Sponsors get to chose one of six images for their sign, and their name and logo is included at the bottom.
Barbour said he has partnered with CSGW for over 10 years, and he is happy to “help support safety in our communities.”
Wellington County Warden Andy Lennox said the county supports CSGW with logistical needs like office space.
He said Crime Stoppers empowers people to participate in keeping their communities safe, noting “there’s real value in people feeling a sense of control.”
Lennox said the signs provide a visual reminder to people that they can report crimes to CSGW.
Wellington County OPP Inspector Steve Thomas said police have a “valuable partnership” with CSGW, which provides people the opportunity to remain anonymous while reporting crime.
“We do follow up on those tips,” Thomas noted.
