Local news delivered daily to your email inbox. Subscribe for FREE to the rdnewsNOW newsletter.

Lacombe County focuses on crime prevention

Feb 26, 2018 | 5:20 AM

LACOMBE COUNTY- Rural crime was one of the leading issues raised during Lacombe County’s Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw review.

It was also highlighted as a concern during recent meetings with local crime prevention groups and during town hall meetings set up by MP Blaine Calkins.

Council recently approved the release of Lacombe County’s Guide to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design or CPTED.

The guide sets out easy to incorporate design principles for properties, which can greatly reduce the chance of a crime occurring.

In addition to the CPTED Guide, Lacombe County held professional training for numerous County staff who are now certified CPTED Inspectors.

The inspectors can conduct site assessments for homes and businesses, as well as review design plans for future developments.

“We know how concerned our ratepayers are about rural crime, and we wanted to give them another tool in their toolbox to help protect their families, homes, and businesses from crime,” explained Senior Community Peace Officer Mark Sproule. “Our trained staff are ready to come out to assess a property for simple adjustments, like landscaping, fencing or lighting.” 

The guide was developed to assist developers and landowners in understanding CPTED principles, why they are beneficial, and how they can be incorporated into homes, businesses and any other development projects. 

“CPTED principles can be applied not only to industrial, commercial and residential multi-lot development but also to individual developments like businesses, acreages and farm sites,” explained Dale Freitag, Lacombe County Manager of Planning Services. “Homes, businesses and recreational areas should provide safe and secure environments, and applying CPTED principles to developments can make a tremendous difference and allows for a proactive approach to reducing crime.” 

County residents can contact Lacombe County at 403782-8959 if they would like to have a CPTED assessment completed on their property. 

The CPTED Guide is available online at www.lacombecounty.com.

(Gary McKinnon)