PENHOLD – The town's crime rates are up -- but not as much as in other Central Alberta communities.
Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk, the commander of the Innisfail RCMP detachment, recently presented crime statistics to Penhold town council.
Matechuk said in an interview that increasing crime rates have been seen across Central Alberta. While many council candidates have highlighted crime concerns, Penhold might actually be luckier than other communities, according to statistics Matechuk presented at council that compared 2017 numbers to 2013.
“Penhold has seen a 30 per cent increase (in property crimes) since 2013, and the municipal average has seen an increase of 39 per cent, so crime is up but not as substantial as other communities,” Matechuk said. Property crimes include break and enters, stolen cars, possession of stolen property and other similar offences.
Break and enters in Penhold in 2017 are up 28 per cent compared to 2013 -- but are actually down 90 per cent when compared to 2014 and 2015, which were even busier, he said.
The rate of reported vehicle theft is actually stable compared to 2013 in Penhold.
“The municipal average is a 108 per cent increase since 2013, and Penhold has seen a zero per cent increase since 2013,” Matechuk said.
Other comparisons to 2013 include theft under $5,000, which is up 31 per cent, mischief to property crimes are up 43 per cent, and possession of stolen property crimes are up 30 per cent in Penhold.
Matechuk noted increases in crime are concerning, as is an increasing level of violence towards police.
Council members inquired about enhanced RCMP service. Matechuk said it would cost roughly $150,000 -- which includes training, a vehicle, and everything -- for a dedicated officer, but once the request is made it can take up to a year and a half for the position to actually be filled.
Matechuk encouraged members of the community to report crime. He said it's one of the best things they can do.
“Get to know your neighbours. Report anybody suspicious. Report crime; that's the best thing,” he said, adding the more community support there is, the better results police will likely get.
“Our policing efforts are only as successful as the support we get from the community,” he said.
Crime concerns were a popular topic amongst Penhold council candidates, several of whom discussed it during brief profile interviews.
Both mayoral candidates, Dennis Cooper and Mike Yargeau, mentioned addressing crime prevention during their profile interviews.
Council candidates also raised community safety. Coming up with a collaborative crime prevention strategy was a highlight of incumbent councillor Sharolyn Sanchez's reasons for running again, for instance, but rookie candidates like Shaun Kranenborg and Shawn Hamm also noted crime prevention. Kranenborg, who has volunteered as an auxiliary RCMP constable, in particular wanted to work with protected services in the town.
Innisfail Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk
"Penhold has seen a 30 per cent increase (in property crimes) since 2013, and the municipal average has seen an increase of 39 per cent, so crime is up but not as substantial as other communities."
