Elk Point residents show frustration about rural crime

“Know your neighbours. Watch out for each other,” is the advice Sgt. James Morton, head of the Eastern Albert District Rural Crime Reduction Unit (EADRCRU) gave to residents of the Elk Point RCMP Detachment at a public meeting on Wednesday, November 20.

About 80 people, including Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs, attended the meeting which was hosted by the Greater Lakeland Rural Crime Watch Association.

Audience members shared their concerns about the level of crime in the area, with at least 50 percent of the crowd indicating that they have experienced break-ins in the past 5 years.

Sgt. Morton, whose own property has been robbed, conceded that there is no single cure.

While he acknowledged that victims feel pain and anger as a result of the crimes, he reminded the audience that vigilante groups are illegal, and that it is the duty of the RCMP to protect citizens: “We can’t just shoot people.”

The EADRCRU has had great success in “finding the worst of the worst and getting them locked up.”

‘Lobby for changes’

However, in response to questions about short sentences and minor penalties for the criminals, Sgt. Morton explained that the RCMP are limited to upholding the law, not to judging the accused and that laws are created through legislation, so it is the elected officials that have to work on the solutions.

Citizens pointed to the inequity in government money going towards ensuring justice for a handful of people who are breaking laws, while law abiding citizens are paying for sleepless nights, increased insurance, security systems, gates, replacement items, and loss of income.

Darlene Sereda, a member of the organizing committee for the meeting, expressed frustration with all the chances that criminals get, including missing court dates and not taking responsibility for their actions.

“We’re spending a lot of money locking ourselves in. If anything happens to our property, we are not recouped the cost. Insurance goes up,” she said.

She implored the crowd to “lobby for changes in the justice system.”

MP Stubbs responded that she has been trying to make rural crime a national priority in Parliament.

In 2018, she introduced Private Members’ Motion 167 to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security to focus specifically on rural crime in Canada.

Her motion addressed the shortage of RCMP officers and support staff, “slap-on-the-wrist” penalties and a “revolving door” for repeat offenders.

It also pointed to the frustration of property owners who have been forced into the position of defending themselves and their families.

Although the bill went forward unanimously, the resulting report was a disappointing two pages with no concrete recommendations.

Stubbs assured Sgt. Morton and the victims of crimes that “I’ll keep fighting for you. I remain on your side.”

Look out for your neighbours

Sgt. Morton reiterated the idea that the best offense is a good defence.

He advised people to know their neighbours, their vehicles, and their habits, so that unusual activity can be recognized and reported.

Phone apps such as Lightcatch can be used for neighbours to watch out for each other.

Suggestions from Morton and individuals in the audience include: never leave keys in unattended vehicles, including recreation or farm vehicles.

Mark valuable property so it is harder to fence, and can be returned to the rightful owner if it is recovered after a theft. Don’t post vacation dates on social media.

On rural properties use gates, yard lights, and cameras to slow criminals down. Reduce the number of routes to fuel tanks, and make sure they are visible from the house.

Former MLA Ray Danyluk added, “It’s difficult in a democracy to change laws, but [for citizens] an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”