Garden River residents frustrated with rising crime

Scragg said thankfully, there were no physical injuries reported.

The homeowner shared on social media that he was awoken by the sound of voices and initially thought it was his own kids. The intruders ran off with the owner’s garage door opener and then went through his truck, but did not steal anything.

According to a separate social media post by the owner of the truck and trailer, both items were later recovered.

Scragg stated the RM council is really limited in what they can do and that they rely on the RCMP for services.

“It seems like we are ringing the same old bell which has been rung many times. Crime is an issue and nobody seems to want to do anything about it,” he said.

Scragg also confirmed a conversation he had over the weekend with Sask. Rivers MLA Eric Schmalz, who Scragg said was very supportive of additional resources. Scragg added that the solution goes beyond just adding more police officers and involves a change to the overall justice system.

“If they were caught Friday, they’d be out Monday for sure,” he said.

Concerns related to rural crime are not isolated to the RM of Garden River, as a ratepayer from the RM of Prince Albert told paNOW they too experience break-ins and theft frequently.

Response from RCMP

Acknowledging the concerns around safety, and confirming they are investigating the break-ins that have occurred over the past week, Prince Albert RCMP are asking residents to report all suspicious activity.

Officers will also be conducting extra proactive patrols in the detachment area.

“We want to work with our communities to keep them safe,” said S/Sgt. Steve Hurst from Prince Albert RCMP. “We understand frustrations about crime. It’s important to know that we take all reports of crime seriously and investigate reports thoroughly. We are aware of some recent incidents where property representatives confronted suspects on their property. If you are aware of a crime being committed at your property, don’t engage with or follow the suspect, as it can put you and others’ safety at risk. Call police immediately. We need communities and citizens to work together with us – legally and safely – in order to protect everyone.”

Recent charges laid

Prince Albert RCMP has investigated approximately 707 reports of property crimes from January to August of this year, a 20 per cent decrease from the same period in 2025.

Most recently, officers charged three people in connection to a break-and-enter investigation at a property in the RM of Prince Albert on Sept. 17. Later that day, RCMP officers and members of the Saskatchewan Marshals Service recovered a number of stolen items at a home on 17th Street West in Prince Albert. Officers also seized three firearms, tools and an e-bike, some of which are believed to be stolen from recent break-and-enters in the area.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

by Nigel Maxwell

Garden River residents frustrated with rising crime

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