For immediate release October 1st, 2013
RCMP and City seek public assistance to reduce crime Recognizing and hearing the concerns of residents, the City of North Battleford organized a public meeting Monday night (September 30th), which involved the Battlefords RCMP and other community organizations committed to crime reduction. “The last three or four weeks have not been the best of times and all of us in the community are feeling the impact,” said Mayor Ian Hamilton in the opening address. “Tonight, along with the RCMP, we are introducing and talking about existing programs everyone can participate in to ensure our properties and neighbourhoods are safer.” The City of North Battleford is among the several agencies that have been meeting twice a week for the past year to discuss cases they believe need a team approach in order to prevent potential crime in the community. The “Hub” is also made up of police, health, social work, and education sectors. “These are agencies working together like they’ve never worked together before and we are seeing successful outcomes,” said City Manager, Jim Toye. “The City of North Battleford is also currently looking into what it would take in terms of manpower and expense to enforce a curfew, and City Council is requesting a meeting with the provincial and federal governments to discuss other resolutions.” Members of the Battlefords RCMP said it was refreshing to see an estimated 350 residents at the meeting. “There is strength in numbers and the RCMP need active participation from residents,” said Sgt. Darcy Woolfitt. “Get involved in crime reduction programs and report crimes. There are people out there who have information that can help solve some of the issues, but for whatever reason, they do not report incidents because they do not want to get involved.” Woolfitt urged residents to sign up for Neighbourhood Watch, promising RCMP assistance in organizing the program in individual neighbourhoods. Sign-up sheets were available and people in attendance had a chance to discuss the program and other concerns with the City and RCMP at the conclusion of the meeting.
Other points from the meeting:
Sgt. Darcy Woolfitt talked about ways for residents to protect themselves and their properties from crime, such as locking car doors, removing anything of value from vehicles, having property emergency numbers on hand at all times, telling friends/family whenever going out alone, get to know the neighbours, and to be aware of general surroundings at all times. More tips available at www.crimereductioncanada.com for anyone wanting to remain anonymous about reporting crime, visit www.saskcrimestoppers.com the Battlefords RCMP have a traffic division committed only to traffic check stops – officers involved are not authorized for crime patrol gangs are not new to the City and have been in existence for more than 20 years if you suspect a drug house or gang activity, don’t sit on it. Note details of the activity and notify the RCMP. “If you don’t want to be involved, then don’t complain.” – Corporal Jason Teniuk RCMP try to provide as much information to the public as they can without jeopardizing the investigation a current RCMP program aimed at violent crime reduction is working, but takes time to see results
For more information: Ian Hamilton, Mayor, 306-445-1728 Jim Toye, City Manager, 306-445-1727 Sgt. Darcy Woolfitt, Battlefords RCMP, 306-446-1720
