Policing issues and reducing crime in Stettler remain top priorities for Stettler RCMP, says the man running the detachment.
“I’m asking our officers to spend more time in town,” Sgt. Duncan Babchuk said in reporting to town council last week.
Police recorded 160 criminal charges, including drug offences, in the Town of Stettler for this year to Aug. 24, while 39 charges were laid in the County of Stettler.
For drugs alone, police laid 21 charges in the town and 10 in the county.
On the traffic scene, Stettler RCMP laid 515 charges in the town and 248 in the county.
“Summer wasn’t out of control,” Babchuk reported.
He said police remain active in patrolling locations for drug activity and criminals who are supposed to be on curfew.
“Our officers are getting to those homes,” Babchuk said.
Detailed weekly police reports in the Stettler Independent newspaper have been “very effective” in helping to curb crime in the region, he said.
“That’s been a real problem- and crime-solver.”
Both the Independent and Q14 Radio have created public awareness of crimes via media attention, Babchuk said.
Police urge citizens to be vigilant to report crime and suspicious activity immediately as it happens.
“Our lines of communication are open,” Babchuk said.
Residents are also reminded to take steps to protect themselves and their property from being targeted from crime. Babchuk specifically urged people to lock their vehicles from criminals.
“They’re looking for loose change,” he said.
“Lock your vehicles and don’t leave anything valuable inside — and lots of people are still keeping their keys in their vehicles.”
Babchuk also introduced Cameron Russell as the new corporal with the Stettler detachment. “He and I have a similar philosophy — if we have problems, we will deal with them directly,” Babchuk said.
After serving Stettler for the past year, Babchuk said he remains committed to meeting the policing needs of the entire Stettler region.