Red Deer RCMP Supt. Gerald Grobmeier (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Troy Gillard

NOTICEABLE DECREASES

Increased trail use in Red Deer helping drive down property crime: RCMP

Sep 9, 2020 | 11:17 AM

RCMP in Red Deer say increased trail use during the COVID-19 pandemic is helping to curtail some of the criminal activity happening in the city.

Officials say the use of trails in Red Deer jumped by 34 percent between March and May of this year. During that same time, Red Deer RCMP say they noticed another trend during that time – property crime numbers for this year are down.

Mounties are reporting a 41 per cent decrease in motor vehicle thefts from a year ago, a 20 per cent decrease in theft under $5,000, 19 per cent decrease in property crime, 18 per cent decrease in criminal code cases and 15 per cent decrease in break and enters.

“So far this year, our property crime stats are trending extremely well,” said Superintendent Gerald Grobmeier, Officer in Charge of the Red Deer RCMP.

While the factors that influence crime rates are varied and complex, one contributing factor could be the increased use of The City’s parks and trails system.

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“The past six months, we’ve seen a drastic increase in the number of people out and about, walking and using public spaces and that in turn creates fewer opportunities for criminals,” said Grobmeier. “Most property crimes are crimes of opportunity, where criminals intentionally target places where no one will see them.”

Red Deer RCMP asks residents do the following to protect your property as we head into the Fall season:

– Keep walking in your neighbourhoods and know your neighbours

– Lock your vehicle doors and never leave your vehicle idling with the doors unlocked

– Secure your property when leaving for work or school. Ensure exterior doors and windows are locked

– Deter bike theft, by registering your bike with 529 Garage

– If you have a security camera, register it with CAPTURE.

When you see something suspicious or a crime in progress, report it by calling 403-343-5575.

For more information on tips to prevent property crime, visit: https://reddeer.ca/city-services/police-rcmp/crime-prevention/

(With file from The City of Red Deer)