Toronto police have no information on supposedly stolen uniforms

Guest blogger Star reporter Katie Daubs:

Toronto police say they have no information about uniforms being stolen from local drycleaners.

680 News, quoting inside sources, reported on Tuesday afternoon that more than a dozen uniforms were stolen from drycleaners across the city in the last few days.

“I don’t have any information about an occurrence,” said Meaghan Gray, spokesperson for the summit’s Integrated Security Unit. “Generally speaking that’s something we’re concerned about always, not just during G20 planning.”

Gray said missing uniforms would be a concern during the summit and police have been working with corporate partners to make sure they’re especially aware in the lead-up.

Betty Skoutakis, the owner of Cadet Drycleaners, which advertises itself as the “cleaner of choice” for the Toronto Police, said claims of missing uniforms are false.

“Nothing has been stolen,” she said. “That is a total lie. I would know if we’re missing a belt.”

Skoutakis says Cadet is the only cleaner of Toronto Police uniforms and all the work is done at a centralized location, which she would not reveal for security reasons.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Toronto Police spokesperson Wendy Drummond tweeted: “Info on stolen uniforms was not confirmed by police. Comment was made that police would be concerned at any time IF uniforms were stolen.”

Summit's security covers tow costs for about 20 vehicles

Some Toronto drivers owe a big thank you to the G20’s security squad.

The Integrated Security Unit is covering the tab for the impounding of about 20 vehicles at the Front St. taxi stand Tuesday. The cab rank had been moved as the city prepares for the summit, displacing a popular parking spot.

“This is pretty much going to be a one time gesture just because of the confusion,” said Sgt. Tim Burrows of Toronto police’s traffic services. “I don't think you're going to see the ISU picking up tabs for other people's mistakes again.”

A ballpark cost? About $75 to $100 per vehicle, Burrows said.

On paper, police are classifying the impoundments as relocations, which is done when vehicles need to be moved because of an emergency response, he said.

But as the security increases around the downtown core, parking on certain streets may become restricted.

And it’s up to drivers to take notice, Burrows said.

“Just because you've always done something, doesn't mean you can do it tomorrow. We have to remind people to remain vigilant.”

Banks closing branches for the G20, report says

As the Star reported last week, the city’s real estate industry is bracing for a “brutal” week as bank closures will prevent people from closing on their property sales.

Bloomberg is now reporting that at least three dozen downtown bank branches will shut down during the G20 summit.

Royal Bank of Canada — who had an Ottawa branch firebombed in May, apparently by radical group who vows to bring their cause to the G20 summit — will shut eight branches from June 24-27, including its head office inside the security perimeter, the report says.

The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will close at least 28 branches during the summit.

Now you can't get close to the dome (not that you have a reason to go)

Even if Roy Halladay wanted to swing by the ol’ Dome to throw a few pitches, he wouldn’t be able to get in.

The summit’s Integrated Security Unit has expanded its outer security perimeter to nearly encircle the Rogers Centre.

Check out the ISU’s new map below:

No peek inside the temporary prison

Security fencing goes up around the old Eastern Ave. film studios, home to the G20 temporary jail. Photo: Tony Bock

We know a few details about the temporary jail police have set up to hold detained G20 protesters.

The facility will be in the old film studios on Eastern Ave. and detainees will be “kept in cells holding single prisoners or small groups (up to 10),” according to a leaked email written soliciting doctors for a temporary jail.

Any minor injuries will be treated onsite by doctors in a 10-by-30-foot trailer, where water will be provided by a hose.

But that’s about all we know — and all we'll likely be told.

Police have turned down multiple requests from various news agencies for a guided tour of the facility, citing security reasons.

Summit security wants to be your Facebook friend

Want to increase your Facebook friend count?

The summit’s Integrated Security Unit is tapping into the world of social media to spread the latest G20 updates on traffic disruptions and security measures — a valuable tool for anyone looking to navigate through the city during the summit.

Official G20 information is available from the ISU’s website, as well as smartphones, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

For more information, go here.