Local politicians praise rural crime watch program

A crime watch initiative started by a concerned cabin owner has garnered support from local politicians.

Organizer Elaine McMillan said she started the crime watch group after she saw numerous property crimes and break-ins reported on Facebook. McMillan, a resident of Christopher Lake, said she wants to “go back to the old days where neighbours look out for neighbours.” The group’s first meeting, held in Christopher Lake Oct. 19, was attended by more than 130 concerned citizens as well as law enforcement representatives and local politicians.

One of the local politicians in attendance was Chris McShannock, councillor for the Village of Christopher Lake. McShannock told paNOW he thinks the crime watch program could be effective in cutting down on break-ins and opportunistic thefts.

“I believe it’s a good step for community members to watch out for their neighbours,” McShannock said. “If the criminals know that people are looking and watching for that stuff, I think it’s going to help.”

McShannock said minor crime is a real issue in his area, and it’s getting even more attention thanks to social media. Some residents have been victimized repeatedly, he said, which leaves people frustrated and looking for ways to respond. The local RCMP have a huge geographic area to cover, McShannock said, so it’s important for residents to understand the value of simple steps like checking on your neighbours or ensuring property is well-lit.

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The Saskatchewan Government has promised increased police presence in rural areas through their Protection and Response Team (PRT) initiative. While McShannock believes the PRT will be effective, he said it may still be some time before the local communities start to see results.

“There’s going to be a lot of road bumps and hiccups before they roll it out,” McShannock said. “I think it’s a little further away than what we anticipate.”

Lakeland District Reeve Cheryl Bauer Hyde was also in attendance at the inaugural meeting. She said the crime watch will be a valuable supplement to the region’s existing Citizens on Patrol program by increasing public awareness. The program will help educate citizens on ways they can cut down on opportunistic thefts, she said, and encourage residents to keep an eye out and report any unusual activity.

Bauer Hyde said one thing that wasn’t made clear at the meeting was exactly how the new crime watch will work with the existing patrol program, but that was identified by organizers as an issue that will be addressed in the future.

Candle Lake Mayor Borden Wasyluk said his area is already well-patrolled by private citizens, local bylaw enforcement officers and the RCMP, but the crime watch program has his support as well.

“I think cooperation with our neighbours is important,” Wasyluk said. “It’s important that we cooperate and work together.”

While Wasyluk praised the RCMP for doing as much as they can to police the vast region, he said there is always more that can be done. The crime watch will likely be effective at reducing opportunistic crime, he said, by encouraging all citizens to take simple steps to protect their property and discourage criminals.

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews