By Curtis Galbraith

Rural Crime

Crime watch asking people to take precautions during seeding

May 21, 2019 | 5:30 AM

The Beaverlodge Rural Crime Watch Association is offering advice to keep property safe during seeding.

President Leanne Van Wagner says one thing people need to do is take the keys out of their trucks and equipment.

“Over 50 percent of all the thefts that the RCMP respond to are because people are leaving keys in vehicles, in their tractors, in their cars, whatever it is. So, we’re encouraging people, take the keys out of your vehicles in the fields.”

Van Wagner says it is also important to keep fuel tanks locked.

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She adds it is also important to report any suspicious activity to the RCMP.

“People think ‘Oh, this is stupid, it’s not important,’ everything is important. If it’s not normal in your area, report it. Report it to the police, report it to Rural Crime Watch, report it to the fan-out system (see numbers below), because if you don’t report it, it didn’t happen.”

Suspicious activity can be reported by calling 780-831-4390. Beaverlodge RCMP also have a 24/7 complaint line at 780-354-2485. People can also call the Admin. line at the detachment during office hours at 780-354-2955.

Van Wagner says police will concentrate more on areas that have the most reports of criminal activity.

The Association also wants to get more people involved in fighting crime.

Secretary-Treasurer Brenda Cramer says people can look out for their neighbours and get involved in Rural Crime Watch groups.

“They have proven that once we put out the Rural Crime Watch signs on property that crime does go down. Criminals know that if you have a Crime Watch sign on your property, that somebody somewhere is watching them, and they don’t like to be watched.”

Cramer says people should also take pictures if they see something, or at least take down as much information as they can.

The organization is holding its next meeting June 27. Anyone interested is welcome. Speakers will include someone from the Crown Prosecutors office in Grande Prairie and from the RCMP.