Humewood–Cedarvale is a Toronto neighbourhood that is also known as “The Woods” or separately as the unique neighbourhoods of Humewood and Cedarvale. It is located in the former York section of Toronto. The boundaries of Humewood-Cedarvale are Eglinton Avenue in the north, St. Clair Avenue in the south, Bathurst Street in the east and Winnett Avenue in the west. Humewood-Cedarvale is primarily a residential neighbourhood, with many single-family homes. However, there are also a number of small businesses including restaurants, cafes and bars. Most of these are located along Eglinton Avenue and St. Clair Avenue. North of Cedarvale Park to Eglinton and east to Bathurst, there is an average of 3.62 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area. There is an average of 9.53 crimes against property. In the area west of Cedarvale Park to Winnett Avenue and south to Vaughan Road, there is an average of 6.11 crimes against people and 11.24 crimes against property. South of Vaughan Road to St. Clair, including Humewood Park, there is an average of 3.88 crimes against people and 14.73 crimes against property. In February 2008 a woman was attacked and sexually assaulted as she stepped off of a bus in the St. Clair Avenue and Vaughan Road area. From the Toronto Star:
A 29-year-old man has been charged with sexual assault for allegedly attacking a woman after she got off a TTC bus. The incident occurred around 12:35 a.m. Tuesday, near Bathurst St. and St. Clair Ave. W., as the woman got off the bus and walked along Vaughan Rd., police say. The victim was chased down, confined and sexually assaulted after she made eye contact with someone across the road, according to police.
In August 2008 a man was stabbed in the Eglinton Avenue and Bathurst Street area. Also from the Toronto Star:
A man had just left a variety store in the Eglinton and Bathurst area when a man approached him and started stabbing him in the back with a pen. Police arrested a suspect, believed to be responsible for the stabbing at the library as well, a short time later, said Olsen. The victim did not require medical attention.
The police stated that the attack was unprovoked. Both of these crime show how innocent people can suddenly become victims of crime. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself safe. The first thing you can do is to be aware of your surroundings at all time. If you notice that someone is following you, if you feel uneasy about your surroundings or if you believe that you are in danger for any reason, trust your instincts and get away from your current location as soon as possible. If you have a cell phone, call a friend as soon as you feel uneasy. If anything does happen to you, your friend will immediately know and he or she can call for help. If you are traveling late at night or in an unfamiliar area, it often helps to travel with another person. Criminals will frequently avoid attacking two people walking together as this is more difficult. If you are attacked, scream loudly in order to attraction the attention those around you. Do everything you can to avoid being taken to a second location by a criminal. For more information on safety and security, consider subscribing to the SafeTech Alarm Systems Peace of Mind newsletter. This newsletter contains important tips on how you can protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim.