BATTLEFORDS – Battlefords RCMP are launching a new crime prevention initiative starting this week: the Property Crime Prevention Police Night Patrols.
During the night, police officers on foot and on bicycles, in police uniforms or civilian clothes, will be patrolling the Town of Battleford and the City of North Battleford to target and deter property crimes. The targeted night patrols will be scheduled at random intervals and on random dates.
Inspector Ryan How, Battlefords RCMP Detachment Commander, describes the objectives of the targeted night patrols: “We know from the reports we receive that property crime is a concern in certain areas. With these targeted night patrols, we want to respond to property crime calls more rapidly, and we want to deter property crime before it’s committed. Ultimately, we want to tell residents: "We hear you and we are reorganizing our resources as best as we can to help you feel safer."
The night patrols will target several aspects of property crimes, including, but not limited to, thefts of items in yards, break and enters and vehicle thefts. Bicycle thefts will be tackled in collaboration with North Battleford Municipal Community Safety Officers and will involve the usage of specialized investigative technology.
Chief Lindsay Holm, the City of North Battleford Director of Protective Services, comments on the partnership: “The City of North Battleford’s Community Safety Officers are pleased to work on this joint effort with the Battlefords RCMP to address crimes of opportunity. Data shows us that property crimes are a consistent concern in our community, and we want to assure residents that we understand these incidents impact their sense of safety and well-being. This coordinated effort is one of many crime prevention and deterrence initiatives underway in North Battleford to enhance overall community safety, and we look forward to seeing the results of these efforts.”
RCMP Inspector How reminds the public of the importance of reporting property crime: “Please do not hesitate to report property crimes. It helps decreasing crime in general as property crime is often linked to serious crime. It also helps us make our police patrols more accurate.”
To report crime and suspicious activities in the Battlefords area contact Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720. In other areas, call 310-RCMP. In an emergency call 911.
Battlefords RCMP will continue to prioritize crimes against persons and calls for service as they dedicate resources to suppress property crime when possible. Regular, routine police night patrols will also continue.
The Battlefords RCMP Property Crime Prevention Police Night Patrols were developed in collaboration with the North Battleford Municipal Community Safety Officers and Battlefords Citizens on Patrol.
