There has been a marked decline in property crimes reported in the district over the past year, according to a presentation by area RCMP to county council last week.
Officers said overall property crime such as break-in and vehicle thefts has declined 43 per cent in the Didsbury area, 36 per cent in the Olds area, and 34 per cent in the Sundre area.
The declines are being attributed to a number of factors, including the work of a new dedicated police unit, public tips to police, and the efforts of rural crime watch and citizens on patrol groups in the district, police said.
While it is encouraging to know that less property crime is being reported in the area, there continues to be far too much such crime in the region for anyone’s comfort.
In particular, vehicle thefts, some involving the use of violence, continue to happen on an all-too-regular basis.
Just last week, a brazen vehicle theft northeast of Sundre shocked community members and pointed to the fact that criminals continue to seek out victims and property in the region.
And not only vehicles are being targeted – break-ins at rural homes also continue across the region.
As part of its ongoing efforts to protect citizens and help them help police, the Olds and District Rural Crime Watch Association has put out a number of tips for homeowners: place signs on properties stating that there is a home security system in place; keep garages and outbuildings locked, install motion sensors and motion-activated cameras; and immediately reporting suspicious activities to police.
It is certainly encouraging to hear that property crime reported is down in the district. That likely proves that the multi-stakeholder efforts started several years ago to fight rural crime in the region are paying off.
That said, residents and visitors will need to remain vigilant and proactive if the positive trends are to continue.
Criminals are unlikely to discontinue their unlawful activities – but at least they are now up against a united community.
- Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor
