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Citizen driven crime prevention programs on the horizon

Town council plans to initiate a citizens on patrol program and has earmarked $5,000 to get it off the ground.

Town council plans to initiate a citizens on patrol program and has earmarked $5,000 to get it off the ground.

“It is one of the higher priorities on our plate right now,” said Coun. Brian Godlongton. There is enough interest in town to make it fly and the funding is in place, so it’s just a matter of getting if off the ground.”

Const. Carman Dutz said such a group would be beneficial to the town.

“COP is a group of concerned citizens who basically take ownership of their community. They are volunteers who watch for suspicious activities. Such a program is more eyes and ears with the same intent to report criminal or suspicious behaviour.”

Dutz said he has suggested to interim CAO Donna Tona that individuals could receive feedback and training from the GullLake North Citizens on Patrol.

“It is a well established healthy group that’s growing,” he said.

The possibility of another group with a focus on community safety was discussed last week at an Community WellnessCommittee meeting.

Committee member Helen Coers said a group called ‘Abundant Communities’ is being investigated.

“It is more like Neighbourhood Watch,” she said. “It is citizen driven and there is no finances involved. It isn’t going to cost the community.”

Dutz said such a group which promotes being neighbourly and community awareness is helpful in reducing crime.

it seemed liked it would make a lot of sense and bring people together.