Sign up for the paNOW newsletter

Another neighbourhood watch group launching in P.A.

Jan 27, 2018 | 7:00 AM

The efforts of Prince Albert’s Midtown residents to address crime in their neighbourhood has caught the attention of another group of residents just up the hill.

A neighbourhood watch group is in the work for Wards 5 and 6, slated to be run by community members.
Around 80 people showed up for the group’s first meeting this week. 

Ward 6 Councillor Blake Edwards said people are tired of their property disappearing.

“If we can get more eyes [out there] and the criminals that are out there know there are more eyes on the street, maybe that’ll deter them from coming into certain neighbourhoods,” he said.

Edwards said there was a great deal of discussion at the meeting, with several people volunteering to help coordinate future events. Prince Albert Police Inspector Jason Stonechild was also on hand to answer questions. Edwards said one of the group’s key focus will be having people out to do patrols.

“I think the key to success is to get many residents out driving, taking their turns,” he said. “If we have multiple volunteers, people will only have to go out one or two times a month, which makes it easier and makes it a little more encouraging for people to keep it going.”

The group remains in the early stages of planning but Edwards said they are considering creating a Facebook group similar to the one made for the Midtown Neighbourhood Watch group. He said all involved are eager to mirror their success.

“We’re ready for this and we’re ready to help out the police in any way we can.”

Anyone with questions about the group is encouraged to contact Edwards or Ward 5 Councillor Dennis Ogrodnick.

 

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell