COMMUNITY EFFORT NEEDED

Edson has, rather unfortunately, become known as a drug haven for dealers.

And we all know this is not how we see our fine town.

However, law enforcement can only do so much, without help from everyday folks.

The RCMP cannot be everywhere, or see everything, nor would we
welcome that big brother-type of lifestyle here.

But for those of us who live in the community, who drive through it
and who raise their kids here -- we need to be the eyes and ears in
order to prevent crime.

And we need to be aware that methods used by criminals are changing constantly.

They are always honing their game to become better and better at
outsmarting us and taking advantage of us.

There is always a need for volunteers to work within crime prevention
programs offered in the community, like victim services or citizens
on patrol but even for those who do not have the time to commit to
these programs there are things we can do.

We can be on guard and always watchful as we routinely go about our day.

We can help the RCMP out by reporting activity or strangers that
leave us with that uncomfortable feeling.

But even more importantly we can teach our kids how to help out and
report suspicious activity.

Because the unfortunate truth is that criminals will target the weak
and the impressionable.

And they will do so when the strong have their backs turned.

Which means we need to protect, not only our older residents, but the
very young ones as well.

By teaching the communities' children to be watchful, and to report
things they see or even experience firsthand, we will be able to make
Edson a safer place.

Parents should work with the schools to ensure that their kids know
what to do in situations where they are approached, or uncomfortable
about something they see or hear from their peers.

It is only by working together as a community that we will be able to
brighten up our reputation and get crime off our streets.

And together we will grow stronger as a community and keep all forms
of crime at bay.