CLARKWATCH: Follow news and updates regarding sanctions on Mayor Clark.

Project Street Sweeper to deal with Lethbridge property crime

May 14, 2017 | 6:29 AM

LETHBRIDGE –  It’s been dubbed “Project Street Sweeper” but, it has nothing to do with road maintenance.  It is a targeted project by the Lethbridge Police Priority Crimes Unit and Lethbridge ALERT to put a crimp in property crime and, hopefully, recover pilfered items.

Staff Sgt. Jason Walper notes the reason for the project is an obvious increase in property crime.

“Over the last three years, we have seen a significant increase in property related crime – specifically, we’ve noticed in the last year we’ve had an increase in thefts of 33 per cent, break-and-enters are up by 43 per cent and checking our stolen autos, we know that between January and May of 2016, compared to the same time this year, we’re over double the number of vehicles stolen in the same period.”

With those numbers in mind, Priority Crimes and ALERT officers are combining their efforts to target chronic offenders and reduce the number of incidents, while trying to recover stolen property.

“We’re going to be using our crime analyst to look at who are the active offenders in our community right now – it will be a very fluid list and we will continue to update the list as the project continues buy, we will use that particular list to target certain individuals in our city and prevent them from committing further crime.”

Walper says police recognize that property crimes are often a spin off from the drug trade, as break and enters and thefts from vehicles stem from the drug trade, with offenders stealing to feed their addiction or pay off drug debts.

Property crime presents is a broader cost for residents, beyond the loss of personal possessions. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, stolen vehicles cost Canadian citizens close to $1 billion per year. Stolen vehicle can be sold abroad, have their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) falsified for sale, the vehicle can be dismantled for parts or used for joyriding or in the commission of other offences.

With warmer weather on its way, property crime is expected to spike. However, there is a citizen element to reducing property crime. 

As police often state, “property crime is one of opportunity.” It is imperative that the public NOT provide that opportunity. Preventing the opportunity, reduces the chance of being victimized.

Police have compiled a list of ways for the public to help reduce “opportunity” crimes:

— Never leave anything of value inside your vehicle in plain sight – cash (even small change for parking meters), electronics, sunglasses, clothing, fuel cards, etc. are all commonly targeted items

— Always lock your vehicle and ensure the windows are up and lock your windows and doors when not at home.

— Never leave an unattended vehicle running or with the keys inside, even if you will only be gone for a minute

— Park in a garage or well-lit area

— When you are working in your backyard, make sure the doors to your home are locked as you may not hear or see someone enter the front door, when you are in at backyard.

— Always keep bicycles, lawn mowers, tools, etc. in a locked shed or garage

— Install motion sensor lights at all entrances to your home and garage as criminals prefer to rely on the cover of darkness and a bright light coming on will often thwart a break-in.

The public’s attention to the above matters, will help cut down on property crimes.