Citizens will once again be patrolling the streets of Sundre in an effort to help reduce crime decades after a similar program disbanded.
The Sundre Citizens on Patrol Association held elections for its inaugural board of directors during a general meeting held Sept. 13.
With a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary and several directors now in place, work can proceed on gaining society status, enacting bylaws, and eventually getting out on patrols.
"We could be out patrolling by January," said Gerald Ingeveld, a newly elected director who also serves as president for Olds Rural Crime Watch Association.
It will come as welcome news to many who say property crime in the area has increased to concerning levels.
"For a lot of years we were holding our own," said Ingeveld. "It seems property crime is winning over us now."
Crime statistics recently released by the RCMP, seems to back up the assertion.
Sundre RCMP Sgt. Jim Lank presented the quarterly crime report to Sundre council last Monday night and pointed out property crime has increased approximately 50 per cent between 2014 and 2016. This includes break and enters, motor vehicle thefts and possession of stolen property. Property crime is the detachment's top priority as set out in the annual performance plan.
Lank has been instrumental in helping Sundre area residents organize a Citizens on Patrol. He says police can't be everywhere at once.
The main goal of the program is for members to act as the extended eyes and ears of the local law enforcement. Members observe, document and report any suspicious activity observed through patrolling by vehicle, on foot, by bicycle or other means as approved.
Sundre members will be educated about crime prevention and community safety and have an increased awareness of suspicious and dangerous activities.
A Citizens on Patrol program was active in the community until the mid-1990s.
