By Adam Ophus

Rural Crime

Local crime discussed in Rocky

Sep 24, 2019 | 9:48 AM

Rocky Mountain House RCMP have recently held an information session for the community to discuss local crime issues.

Cpl. Dru Abernethy led the session with stats that compared Rocky’s crime from last year and the provinces average showing that overall crime is down in the community.

Rocky Mtn. House second quarter data of 2019

“The RCMP’s goal is to stop future crimes before they happen by having more patrol cars in hotspots,” Abernethy said of their plans moving forward.

He later stated that around 50% to 60% of crimes in the community are committed by the same 10% of offenders who are well known to police.

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Cst. Harold Smits discussed afterwards what residents could do to dissuade criminals from targeting them such as getting a stronger deadbolt for their door, keeping sight lines open so trespassers could be seen, or having bright motion sensor lights, among many other tactics.

One resident was quick to voice his skepticism given previous information. “What does it matter what I do, if these criminals have multiple charges but still walk free, what does it matter?” they asked.

“I agree, how frustrating do you think it is for us,” responded Smits.

Police-reported crime rate in rural and urban areas by province in 2017 by Statscan

2017 numbers Statistics Canada show crime in rural Alberta is 30% higher than those in urban areas.

MLA Jason Nixon stated in a September 4 Facebook post that, We’ve seen a rapid increase in rural crime over the past few years, and this is an issue the UCP takes very seriously.”

Justice Minister and Solicitor General Doug Schweitzer has started a 2019 Rural Crime Tour travelling across rural Alberta discussing local issues with the community. Plans are now in the works to bring the tour to the Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre area.

MLA Jason Nixon FB post regarding future 2019 Rural Crime Tour.

Another RCMP information session planned for Caroline on October 9 at 7 P.M.