Can You Make a Difference?
Definitely. In a multitude of ways. The question posed is related to a normal citizen’s role in thwarting and reporting crime. The RCMP has to cover a big area in Foothills and Rocky View Counties. They have not only a large geographic area but are tasked with multiple enforcement activities that may not be visible to average citizens. We think of the police doing traffic enforcement, investigation of criminal activity and providing a visible presence on our roads and in our communities.
But there are a number of less well-known activities they are tasked with such as provincial statutory enforcement, domestic violence, potential suicide calls, etc. I do not envy the number of tasks and priority decisions that an average constable must undertake. Couple this with the fact, as has been related to me by frontline constables and staff sergeants, that 75% of their time is spent on paperwork.
So, what does this mean to you and me? It means we, as average citizens, have a few parts to play in deterring and responding to criminal activity. One role we have is in making our property as criminal proof as possible. I’ve covered the methods of doing this multiple times and basically it means making it difficult for thieves to gain access to our property: locked gates, vehicles, security systems, early warning systems, and something I call “don’t advertise” what you’ve got worth stealing (keep valuables hidden and not on display). This can be as simple as keeping your garage door closed so that whatever valuable items you own are not on display. That’s the prevention role we have. Obviously, it’s a lot easier to keep the barn door closed than to chase after the horse once it’s loose.
A second role we have is that of observation and reporting of suspicious activity. The Crime Watch mantra is Observe, Record and Report. The police cannot be everywhere, but we as members of our communities can cover a lot of ground. The RCMP always encourage the public to report suspicious activity in order that they are aware of what is transpiring in their area of jurisdiction – otherwise they don’t know. Some categories to report include suspicious activity, and erratic driving.
What would be deemed suspicious activity that should be reported? I wrote an article on this a few years ago, and the conclusion was as follows: “… let’s give suspicious behaviour for HCRCWA purposes a few definitions: 1) any obvious criminal activity (e.g. break-in in progress) 2) unusual activity that, in your measured opinion, could be interpreted as having criminal intent, and 3) a softer definition whereby you feel a significant unease that something just isn’t right. In all these circumstances call your local RCMP.”
It must be stated that personal intervention in a crime being committed on your property or elsewhere should be avoided. You don’t know who you are dealing with and what the consequences of confronting the intruder will be. Your first action should be to call the RCMP. A prime example of confrontation gone awry occurred on December 2, 2023, near Linden when the landowner confronted a couple individuals stealing gas. Global News reported: “Police said the homeowner observed people in two vehicles stealing gas. When he approached the suspects with his vehicle, they began to flee. As they fled, they rammed the homeowner’s vehicle and shot at him. His truck was hit by bullets fired by one of the suspects.”
You don’t know thieves’ state of mind at the time of confrontation. It could be they are mentally unstable, drunk, or under the influence of drugs. They may or may not be armed. Yes, I know it is tempting to take matters into your own hands, but as Ron Burgundy said in the movie “Anchor Man”, “Boy, that escalated quickly.” Once things go awry, it can be difficult to extricate yourself from the situation. Things that you are not prepared for can happen fast.
Another very important role individuals can play is that of reporting a crime that has occurred to you. It may seem that if nothing of value was stolen, it is unimportant to report the occurrence. Your incident report to police may give them very valuable information as they try to decipher what is transpiring. You may not be the only victim. Security camera footage, vehicle description, suspect description, time of incident are valuable. You are not being a pain in the butt to the RCMP when you report something you deem insignificant or are of the opinion “what can they do about it now?”
At a HCRCWA meeting we had at the Millarville racetrack with the Alberta Justice Minister, Southern Alberta RCMP superintendent Gordon Sage stated that information they receive on criminal activity can help the RCMP task force set up to look at trends and anticipate criminal movement. An example given was suppose they get reports of red pickup being continuously involved in criminal activity across southern Alberta, then all detachments can be on the lookout for that vehicle and apprehension of those involved can put an end to the crime spree.
Do your part to make your community safer.
Dave Schroeder – HCRCWA Board Member
