Rural Crime Prevention Meeting set for Ardmore

Residents of the Municipal District (MD) of Bonnyville are invited to a rural crime prevention meeting on Thursday, July 6th at 7:00 pm at the Ardmore Hall. The meeting, organized by local resident, Greg Sawchuk, was motivated by a recent crime that shocked the Ardmore community.

“It came about as a result of the armed robbery that occurred at the store,” Sawchuk explains that the M&M Mini Mart had extensive damages after a truck rammed into the front of the building and stole many items. Police believe this theft occurred shortly after an armed robbery in Bonnyville. A 42 year old man, Kelly Joseph Janvier and a 17 year old female has been arrested and charged in the case.

“I’ve had a number pf people come to me and ask ‘what can we do?'” Sawchuk announced his candidacy for Reeve in April. One of his platform items is the prevention and elimination of rural crime. “I went to (MLA) Scott Cyr, who was more than encouraging. He was actually fighting in the legislature for this type of crime prevention.” Sawchuk says MLA Cyr will be in attendance at the meeting, as well as, S/Sgt. Jeremie Landry, of the Cold Lake RCMP Detachment. Sawchuk has also invited the Alberta Minister of Justice, the Honourable Kathleen Ganley.

“We’re also going to be in touch with the online groups,” Sawchuk says he hopes that in inviting the groups from social media, such as Cold Lake Neighbourhood Watch, it’ll help prevent vigilantism, “There’s lots of people with concerns and I’m kind of worried that with the kind of talk out there, vigilantism might take over.”

“We also want the people interested in the Rural Crime Watch Program, the peach officers and of course, the general public.”The meeting in Ardmore is July 6th at 7:00 pm.

If you live west of Bonnyville in the MD, there will be a second meeting in Glendon. Date to be announced.