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Safety response

A recent attack of a senior outside the OLG Casino Thunder Bay has sparked a safety partnership between the gambling organization and local police.
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OLG Casino Thunder Bay secruity manager Rafael Palacios (left) and Thunder Bay Police Service Det. Const. Diane MacLaurin discuss safety tips for casino patrons on Wednesday in the casino lobby. The two groups have partnered to keep casino users safe from crime. (Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com)

A recent attack of a senior outside the OLG Casino Thunder Bay has sparked a safety partnership between the gambling organization and local police.

In September, a 90-year-old woman was sent to hospital in critical condition after a brazen and violent purse snatching as the victim exited the casino and went to her car.

On Wednesday Thunder Bay Police Service had two officers stationed inside the casino lobby, handing out information on a variety of safety issues pertaining to the facility’s elderly patrons.

Det. Const. Diane MacLaurin said the first-time partnership is a timely one.

“We know there are a lot of seniors who do come into the area, so we’re looking at providing some financial tips and personal safety tips, in order to keep them safe,” she said, adding it’s not necessarily a case that all seniors feel unsafe in Thunder Bay.

“We’ve had one issue at the casino outside, so what we’re trying to do is do a little proactive work too, and just remind people, especially as Christmas season comes and a lot of places get busier, about the financial and physical safety they can provide for themselves,” MacLaurin said.

“And if there’s someone here that has a senior in their family (it’s good), or as safety information in general.”

Among the brochures, pamphlets and booklets being handed out on Wednesday was a booklet of safety tips for anyone planning to pay a visit to the casino.

Included on the list are the following:
• Don’t carry a large purse. Use a waist bag or put your money in a zippered front pocket.
• Walk with another person to and from the casino.
• Have keys ready in your hand to enter your car.
• Consider getting a personal alarm. They can be put on a keychain and emit a loud noise.
• Carry only necessary items. Bring only what you absolutely need to go to the casino
• Protect your player car and pin information. Do not leave your card out.
• Place your cash coupons in a safe place when you finish playing on a machine.
• If you use a bank machine, protect your pin number from others. No one should be close to you when you are using any bank machines.
• If you feel unsafe with anyone at the casino, immediately notify the security staff there.

“This is the first time we’ve partnered with OLG Casino,” MacLaurin said. “We both decided it was information we wanted to give to the people in here. It’s our first joint venture and we’re really excited about that.”

OLG spokesman Tony Bitonti said the safety and security of of their patrons is paramount to the organization, adding they quickly agreed to the partnership with local police

"We're in full support of it. We just want to make sure we get the message out to the majority of folks, especially seniors, who are a large portion of our clientele. We want to ensure they are safe and secure. There are a lot of security features that we do provide to our folks around our facility as well," he said.

Should a patron not feel safe walking to their car, for example, Bitonti said security staff is more than happy to provide an escort if needed.

"Absolutely. Our secruity staff is there to help in any way possible," he said.



Leith Dunick

About the Author: Leith Dunick

A proud Nova Scotian who has called Thunder Bay home since 2002, Leith is Dougall Media's director of news, but still likes to tell your stories too. Wants his Expos back and to see Neil Young at least one more time. Twitter: @LeithDunick
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