“Crime Prevention Week is an opportunity to do what we refer to as “target hardening” – teaching people how to be hard to victimize,” says Acting Staff Sergeant Paul Looker with the EPS Crime Prevention Unit. “The more our citizens know about what criminals are looking for, the better able they are to protect themselves and their property.”
Events this week will focus on how to prevent some of the most common crimes reported to EPS: theft from vehicles, bicycle theft, home and property crime and auto theft. More information is available at crimeprevweek.com. Partners will be using #CrimePrevWeek on social media to share information and tips.
“As we approach summer, we’re bound to see a rise in some of these crimes” notes A/S/Sgt. Looker. “We want to help Edmontonians have a fun and carefree vacation season by helping them properly secure their homes and property.”
The EPS is working with Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch, Crime Stoppers, the University of Alberta and Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET), which is a partnership between EPS, the City of Edmonton, The Family Centre and United Way of the Alberta Capital Region to offer crime prevention tips, tools and events throughout the week.
2017 Crime Prevention Week – events and media availabilities
Monday, May 15: Theft from vehicles
What: EPS constables and Centre High students will be handing out “theft from auto” crime prevention material at various LRT stations during the afternoon rush hour.
Where: Media availability at Southgate LRT Station
When: 4 – 4:15 p.m.
Host: EPS
Contact: Cheryl Voordenhout, Communications Advisor, EPS
780-421-3507; cheryl.voordenhout@edmontonpolice.ca
Tuesday, May 16: Bicycle theft
What: U-Cycle, an event to support U of A students and staff who use their bicycles on campus. Cyclists can register their bicycle through Project 529, an online bike registry that helps cyclists report a theft quickly. Discounted U-locks and bike tune-ups will also be available.
Where: Celebration Plaza, University of Alberta (south of the Administration building by the main bus loop)
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Media availability at 11 a.m.)
Host: University of Alberta and Neighbourhood Empowerment Team
Contact: Connie Marciniuk, Community Safety Liaison, City of Edmonton
780-994-8582; connie.marciniuk@edmonton.ca
Wednesday, May 17: Home and property crime prevention
What: To help citizens prepare for the summer vacation season, Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch will be providing tips on how to secure your home and property when you go on holidays.
Where: Homes by Avi show home at 7016 Summerside Grande Blvd.
When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Host: Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch
Contact: Debbie Sellers, Executive Director, Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch
780-242-4006; debbiesellers@enwatch.ca
Thursday, May 18: Auto theft
What: Media launch of “Lock Out Auto Theft,” a new joint auto theft prevention campaign by the EPS, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the RCMP. Media will be able to photograph examples of heavily damaged stolen autos, and an EPS Detective and IBC Investigator will be on hand to speak to media.
Where: Police Seized Vehicles Tow Lot, 12230 124 Avenue – driveway between north and south lots
When: 1 p.m.
Host: EPS
Contact: Cheryl Voordenhout, Communications Advisor, EPS
780-421-3507; cheryl.voordenhout@edmontonpolice.ca
