With people sharing stories, experiences and opinions on social media sites such as Facebook, it might sometimes appear that the amount of crime within our town is drastically increasing. However, according to Chestermere RCMP Staff Sergeant Glenn Henry, this is simply not the case.
“Although there might be a growing perception that crime in Chestermere is rising, the reality is that we live in a very safe community”, says S/Sgt. Henry.
The most significant concern within Chestermere currently is that of thefts from vehicles, although occurrences reported to police are still relatively low. “Theft from vehicles are most commonly a crime of opportunity which are typically hard to predict and equally hard to solve,” said S/Sgt. Henry.
According to Wikipedia, a crime of opportunity is a crime committed without planning when the perpetrator sees that they have the chance to commit the act at that moment and seizes it.
S/Sgt. Henry explains that if the opportunities for crime can be reduced, then we will likely see an overall decline in crime rates as reducing opportunities does not usually displace crime.
“Criminals are not generally hard working people and therefore the community can easily reduce the chances of becoming a victim of this type of crime by locking your car doors and by not storing valuables in your vehicles.”
RCMP keep track of all reported incidences as well as gather tips from the public to document trends or targeted areas but add that without the public’s help this job becomes very difficult. “Unless people report even the smallest of crimes to us, then we are unable to gather evidence and therefore we cannot help”, states S/Sgt. Henry.
“Chestermere has unique demographics and is under major growth patterns, our proximity to Calgary makes it easy for visitors to come into our town, some of whom might not have the best of intentions.”
Stats from Global Traffic Group, the radar company often seen around town in their trucks conducting laser traffic enforcement back up what S/Sgt. Henry is suggesting, “The vast majority of people receiving traffic tickets through photo radar are non-residents, it makes sense that non-residents simply care less about a community than the residents do.”
He adds that if those residents concerned with crime rates are sincere about reducing crime then they need to get involved. “To be a community that cares, we need everyone’s help, and that means everyone should get involved by getting to know their neighbours and letting us know if there is something going on that they think is out of the ordinary or suspicious.”
“The reality is that we are neighbours with the city that holds the largest population within our province and there is nothing stopping people from Calgary from entering Chestermere, and then disappearing back into the city.”
Chestermere has several opportunities for people that wish to get involved in learning how to reduce the crime rate within our community, such as Block Watch and Citizens on Patrol. Both groups work in collaboration with the RCMP and are volunteer based.
With 16 full-time members and four administrative staff, S/Sgt. Henry feels they are very well equipped to serve the residents of Chestermere but admits that the level of efficiencies within the department will likely improve once the new RCMP building currently under construction is complete. “Having a space that is designed for our use, including holding cells to detain prisoners will make a significant difference to how we operate.”
The new municipal police building is located on the same site as the existing office and will be attached to the Chestermere Fire Hall. It is anticipated to be open late 2014 or early 2015.
“We want to encourage face to face interactions with the residents of Chestermere, if anyone has a concern or is looking for credible information I want them to come to us. We do not engage in social media because that is not how we want to interact with people, nor do we have the funding to support it.”
According to the results of a town surveys that was conducted in 2012 in which police services received the third highest ranking of satisfaction, 92% or respondents said they feel safe within the community.
“Do I think Chestermere is a safe community? You bet I do,” says S/Sgt. Henry.
The RCMP Detachment is located at 156 E. Chestermere Drive. During construction of the new building, public access is through the glass door placed in the old north garage bay. Signage is posted to assist with parking and directions.
