An overall decline in crime in the region over the past year shouldn’t discourage residents from being vigilant when it comes to reporting suspicious activities they may see on their properties, members of the Olds and District Rural Crime Watch Association heard last week.
During the association’s monthly meeting in council chambers, Olds RCMP Staff Sgt. Jim McDonald says tips to the police about criminal and suspicious activities remain an important part of catching criminals and preventing crimes.
“If you see something suspicious give us a call because you never know when that could be linked to some other crimes,” he said. “We’ve had luck with people calling in and saying ‘there's someone suspicious in the field’ and we’ve gotten out there and they are tied into some stolen vehicle. It’s always good to call.
“If your vehicle is stolen chances are it’s not just the vehicle they are looking for; they are taking that vehicle to go on a criminal shopping spree."
The association works with RCMP and other stakeholders to report criminal activities and to promote vigilance.
During the July 31 association meeting, which saw 25 people in attendance, McDonald presented some recent crime statistics.
Regarding persons crimes in the detachment in the past three months, there have been two reported sexual assaults, 12 assaults, one case of criminal harassment, and three cases of uttering threats. Overall, persons crimes have declined by five per cent compared with the same period last year.
Regarding property crimes, there have been 10 break and enters reported, 12 theft of motor vehicles, two theft over $5,000, 25 theft under $5,000, five fraud, and 24 mischief. Overall, property crimes have declined by four per cent over the same period last year.
The crime watch meeting also saw a presentation from Telus on new security systems in use and being introduced.
In his monthly report county peace officer Kevin Heppler said drivers are encouraged to obey all speed limits when passing the many road and bridge construction projects now underway in the region.
“Please keep that in mind,” he said.
Association president Jason Leach said members and other residents should remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activities to police.
“If something happens make sure you report it,” he said. “We still have work to do to get our crime rates down.”
The association is looking for new members and corporate sponsors, he said.
The next association meeting is Sept. 25 in council chambers.
