A relatively recent technological update by the RCMP has had an almost immediate impact in the Bashaw area.
The Alberta RCMP launched an online crime map recently to provide an accurate account of what has been happening in rural areas.
“It is part of our crime strategy and we use it in conjunction with our county partners and rural crime watch groups,” explained Bashaw RCMP Sgt. Bruce Holliday.
“It tracks instances of motor vehicle theft, property damage, theft from vehicles, mischief, theft over and under $5,000 plus break and enter. We know that most information posted on social media isn’t vetted and can lead to false information and concern. So, one of the important things is, it gives an accurate portrayal of what is going on in the communities.”
The crime map is accessible through the websites of Camrose and Lacombe counties — and many other municipal websites — providing current and verified information on crimes directly from the RCMP. There is a limit though, with only crimes being listed that have been reported in the previous two weeks.
Holliday noted the new tool has helped more people learn to better protect their property.
“It’s part of our on-going education and I think the message is getting through. However, there are still some concerns some aren’t safe-guarding their vehicles or property,” he stated.
“People know they can either be part of the problem or part of the solution. If they don’t look out for themselves, neighbours or the rest of the community, they are part of the problem. Though, in the last two years, I have seen significant change in our communities and I can only see it getting better going forward.”
In Bashaw, having the crime map and the increased public knowledge has helped in the number of instances being reported to police.
Holliday added that the number of reports regarding suspicious persons and vehicles in the detachment area has jumped quite substantially — specifically over the last year — which tells him the educational messaging is working.
“I think the new crime map that our community members are utilizing is also allowing them to see the importance of making those reports,” he said.
“And, we can directly attribute some of our successes to that involvement of reporting suspicious activity by the community. That has allowed us to respond efficiently and, as a result, locate individuals that are in the process of committing offences and in possession of stolen property and vehicles.”
As for how the detachment’s officers use this new tool, Holliday explained it helps them to identify areas of concern so that officers can target patrols in those areas that would be considered hot spots of criminal activity.
jordie.dwyer@ponokanews.com
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