FIGHTING SMALL TOWN CRIME

There is a sense of security living in a small town; everybody knows
one another and looks out for one's neighbours.

Being in one's own environment brings a sense of not only security,
but comfort, family, and belonging. That is exactly the way it should
be; but that is not the way it has to be.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of reasons why those in small-town
Alberta can no longer have those comfortable feelings of safety and
security.

Right here in the backyard of Cypress County there was recently a
major drug bust that involved two locations and was so sophisticated
only organized criminals could have pulled it off. Right here, as
children were put on the school bus in the morning and life seemed to
be carrying on as normal, there has been evil lurking in the background.

As life was carrying on, two elaborate marijuana grow-ops were in
full-swing of production. Well-organized criminals were driving our
roads, shopping in our stores, and purchasing fuel at our gas stations
as they carried on with their business of illegal pursuits.

Because of this recent crime, and others, including break and enters
and theft from vehicles, the days of not having to look over your
shoulder, not having to lock the doors (on the home and vehicle), and
the days when those living in rural areas could feel completely safe
are over.

While crime will never be totally eradicated, there are things people
can do to keep it to a minimum and end it abruptly when it does occur.
Law enforcement has been vigilant about encouraging people to report
even the slightest odd ocurance. What may seem as a bad feeling at the
time, may indeed result in something more. When that bad feeling
happens, do not ignore it. Get on the phone and contact your local law
enforcement agency. What may seem insignificant at the time may be
very valuable information to the police. Let them make that judgement
call.

As well, no longer is it safe leave the doors unlocked. Too easily,
the back door is left unlocked because one is only going to the
neighbour's place or the store and is only planning on being gone a
few, short moments. If a criminal wanted to get in to your home, it
takes them only a few short moments, as well, especially if they have
an easily accessible entry route. It takes a second to ensure the door
is locked before leaving home, but the sense of securty will come with
knowing you have an efficient lock and securtiy system.

The same holds true for vehicles. With the cold winter months fast
approaching, it is tempting to leave the vehicle running while running
in to collect the mail or buy a jug of milk. Leave the motor running
and your vehicle could be gone by the time you get to the check-out
counter. And, what about the purse, shopping packages, and other
valuables that get left behind in vehicles. Those who have had the
experience of having to replace all their identification, deal with
insurance claims, and feeling victimized by having their valuables
stolen from their cars probably do not want to live that experience
more than once.

Safety, security, and comfort can still be found in small-town
Alberta, but it is no longer free. In order to have it, it has to be
combined with vigilance, cautiousness, and alertness.