The provincial government’s $10-million strategy to combat increasing rural crime is a step in the right direction, but it’s one that is sorely overdue.
The Province is providing $8 million to hire 39 additional RCMP officers and 40 civilian staff and $2 million to hire up to 10 rural prosecutors and support staff. It’s all part of a seven-point strategy
Targeting prolific offenders, improving police intelligence, having civilians take over paper work currently done by front-line officers, using bait cars to catch rural criminals – they’re all positive, proactive initiatives that can make a difference.
However, these are steps the Province should’ve already taken.
The UCP tried to get an emergency debate on rural crime when it went to the Province in the fall with more than 100 rural residents in the gallery at the legislature in Edmonton, but the NDP government wouldn’t recognize the problem.
The Province should have listened. It will take time to implement and get police officers, prosecutors and support staff in place and working to implement the strategy.
In the meantime, residents are left sitting as rural crime rates climb. According to RCMP statistics provided to the MD of Foothills, property crimes in the MD rose by 81 per cent between 2014 and 2017, all while crimes against persons remained flat.
The strategy can help, but it’s missing a key element.
There was no mention of stiffer penalties for crooks. The strategy won’t solve much if the Province and federal government don’t start to get tougher on criminals, particularly repeat offenders.
There needs to be a strong deterrent that lets those involved in criminal activities know that they will face a stiff penalty.
This part is essential to keeping criminals off the streets and keeping people safe.
