RCMP implementing three initiatives to help deter crime

“This is a trend we noticed had a bit of an uptick locally, and it also had been increasing throughout the province this past year,” Buckingham said.

In response, police are working with the city on a plan to help combat the issue. Police are implementing a program whereby people can have their vehicle serial number etched on their vehicle’s catalytic converter to deter thefts.

Buckingham said if a catalytic converter is found with a number etched on it, police will be able to trace it back to the vehicle it came from.

“Our hope is that this program is going to help deter the thefts. It may make it much more difficult for would-be thieves to essentially pawn or sell these items,” he said.

So far, several local garages have agreed to etch serial numbers onto people’s catalytic converters when requested, at no extra cost, while the vehicle is in for service.

This RCMP program complements the city’s new legislation that can see someone on the street potentially fined up to $1,000 if they are caught carrying a catalytic converter without proof of ownership, such as a permit or valid business licence. (Existing businesses are not impacted.)

In the second initiative, police are implementing with the City of North Battleford a strategy to help protect people from would-be thieves when they are selling or purchasing items seen online.

“This came as a result of an investigation we did,” Buckingham said. “As many of you I’m sure are aware, online market places are very common for people to find some personal items.”

But the potential exists for things to go awry. In one case being investigated, he said, a sale was lined up that ended in a robbery.

Buckingham said a preventative program has been put in place in some municipalities to ensure people can exchange goods safely.

“The idea came to mind: ‘Why don’t we try that in North Battleford,’” Buckingham said.

As a result, the local RCMP has created a “Safe Internet Exchange Zone” in the community, so buyers and sellers can meet in a place the city provides.

People can come to the Fire Department in North Battleford and exchange their goods for sale at the south side of the Fire Hall at one of the parking spots that will be designated for the meeting. The area will be brightly lit and protected by video surveillance cameras as well, for an added level of safety.

“The city has provided that safe space for them to go and do a meet,” Buckingham said.

He hopes this will help prevent potential thefts and scams in the future.

In the third initiative, police are implementing with the City of North Battleford what is known as the “9 p.m. Routine” program.

Police want to get the word out that by 9 p.m. people need to make sure their home doors are locked, their vehicles are locked, and they put away any valuables to reduce the risk of crimes of opportunity happening.

“It’s basically an online social media educational campaign encouraging people to make their properties safer, to make their community safer…,” Buckingham said. “It’s just something to make people think about what can I do to make my neighbourhood safer.”

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

RCMP implementing three initiatives to help deter crime

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