Neighbourhood Safety and Crime Prevention

I was very pleased to host this important community forum on public safety last week in our ward.  With about 40 residents in attendance, it was a tremendous opportunity to learn about what we can all do by working together to keep our community safe.

For some tips on crime prevention and neighbourhood safety, or to learn about the Neighourhood Watch program, visit the Winnipeg Police Service website or contact the Winnipeg Police at the phone numbers in the article below.  My thanks to Kristi Anaka of The Sou’Wester for covering this story!

Focus on crime and safety at community forum

The Sou’Wester, Canstar Community News

By: Kristi Anaka – Community Correspondent   Posted: 05/9/2016 2:32 PM

On April 29, Coun. Janice Lukes (South Winnipeg – St. Norbert), hosted a community forum on public safety at the Manitoba Islamic Association Grand Mosque.

Insp. Cam Baldwin, Staff Sgt. Rob Harding, Patrol Sgt. Phil Penner and Const. Brad Sparrow all spoke on topics that included crime awareness, home security, graffiti, holidays and Neighbourhood Watch programs.

Apparently there has been some theft of construction equipment in the Bridgwater Lakes area that has resulted in an increased police presence.

According to 2015 City of Winnipeg CrimeStat statistics, one of the most common crimes in the area was break and enter. Most such crimes take less than three minutes and 66 per cent of them were through open doors. Other calls relating to this region included panhandling and graffiti complaints.

Residents expressed concerns about marijuana grow operations and gang activity, as well as drug activity at area high schools and suspicious activities at condominiums.

The speakers suggested that area residents call in any suspicious activities, as crime hotspots need to be identified so that more cars can be in the immediate area.

Residents also expressed concern that the nearest police station is at the corner of Shaftesbury Boulevard and Grant Avenue. The police assured residents that the average response time to any crime in progress is seven minutes or less.

It was also recommended that residents form a Neighbourhood Watch group to deter crime and keep an eye on suspicious activities.

The police also repeated that if you see or encounter something suspicious, call 911 or the  non-emergency line at 204-986-6222. The Winnipeg Police drug tip line is 204-986-3411. 

Residents interested in forming a Neighbourhood Watch group within Waverley West should contact the Winnipeg Police Service’s Community Relations Unit at 204-986-6322.  

Kristi Anaka is a community correspondent for Waverley West. You can contact her at kristianaka@gmail.com

Read more by Kristi Anaka – Community Correspondent.

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