RCMP Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbrown brings you behind the scenes with a serious of columns taking you behind police work and how it’s done in our community. If you have a question you think needs to be answered in Behind the Bison, send it to admin@borderpulse.ca and we will be sure to share it with him.
I don’t want to speak too soon, but could this actually be summer coming? Regardless, some seasonal
things should be addressed to try and make Lloydminster as crime free as possible, but it takes your
assistance.
Preventing property from being damaged or stolen is key to crime reduction. Reducing opportunities for
crime to happen is the first step. Bicycle owners, please take steps to secure your bikes wherever you
may have them. If you ride one to the store and you are just going to run in for a minute, try and keep it
visible, but lock it up.
I’ve mentioned before about a truck and trailer that were stolen as the driver was putting air in a tire on
the trailer illustrating how brazen thieves can be. Please record any serial numbers on your bikes and if
there isn’t one, put some identifying marks on it in an inconspicuous place that can be checked in the
event the bike is lost or stolen and then recovered.
Make sure that any sheds have good locks on them and possibly install a cover on the lock so that it is
accessible to lock and unlock but is not accessible to a grinder or bolt cutters. If you have tool chests
inside a garage or shed, locked them when not in use. Having frosted film on garage and shed windows
will keep people from being able to look inside. Make sure door frames are reinforced if possible and
also having motion activated security lights near entrances, which will act as a deterrent. If possible,
install latches and locks on yard gates to prevent easy access.
Security cameras are a good deterrent as well, and if there is a crime, cameras may capture the suspects
and provide us visual evidence to make identifying them more likely. There is almost nothing absolutely
fool proof for preventing thefts, but the more difficult you make it, the less likely it will happen to you.
Drivers and pedestrians, please pay attention. Each summer we do have pedestrians hit by vehicles
typically in parking lots or at crosswalks. Even though you may have the right-of-way, due diligence in
checking for others is still a best practice.
Before driving, take half a minute and walk around your vehicle and check its condition. This also allows
you to ensure there are no toys or other objects under or behind your vehicle including any children.
Remove anything hanging from your mirror so your vision isn’t reduced and, be careful of the placement
of any GPS or electronic screens on your dashboard so as not to impede driver vision.
Take extra care driving if you are traveling on unfamiliar roads. If at all possible, have someone besides
the driver assist in navigating to allow the driver to focus solely on driving. If you are driving alone in a
new town or area, look ahead on a map for your destination giving yourself a general idea of where you
are going. Please safely enjoy the summer everyone!
Read more: Behind the Bison – Little Bear and Youth Advocacy Centre
