Neighbourhood watch group returns
Volunteers aim to reduce break-ins, illegal dumping and vandalism
Robin Grant
Northern News Services
Friday, October 7, 2016
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
After an eight-year hiatus, neighborhood watch group Citizens on Patrol is back.
Citizens on Patrol co-ordinator Lea Martin, left, is co-ordinating the startup of a new Citizens on Patrol group with the goal of preventing crime. Javaroma co-owner Rami Kassem, right, will be serving up coffee to on-duty volunteers. - Robin Grant/NNSL photo |
Around mid-October, volunteer citizen patrollers will once again be roaming the streets helping curb break ins, illegal dumping, vandalism and other crimes by reporting them to police.
"This is strictly hands-off surveillance and monitoring at a safe distance - absolutely no confrontation and no contact," said co-ordinator Lea Martin. "We look for people who are at risk and if we think there is a risky situation, we report it to the police."
Ten people have already signed up for the first round of training, set to happen this month, and Martin hopes for a few more in the second round of training in mid-December.
As someone who participated in previous initiatives with the group before it was disbanded in 2008, Martin isn't new to the project. She said she can attest to how effective it was.
"I have no doubt that, in the situations that we previously reported, we saved lives," she said. "We had a lot of success with reporting impaired drivers which have resulted in convictions."
The initiative is also returning now because of what Martin called a "noticeable increase in crime in the city."
In September, for example, the RCMP reported 18 vehicle break-ins during one night.
"Crime isn't going away and we're concerned about specific crimes in the community which could be prevented," she said.
Crime rates have fallen by almost 20 per cent in cities across Canada where similar organizations have hit the streets, she said.
According to Martin, more eyes on the street are coming at an ideal time.
"Normally, you see more crimes of opportunity when it gets dark which is why we're starting now," she said.
The RCMP national website states that while Citizens on Patrol act as the "eyes and ears" of the police, they don't have the authority or mandate to make arrests or take any action that might jeopardize their own safety or the public's.
Volunteers will also be given free First Aid training and will be schooled by the RCMP and municipal enforcement on how to stay safe and spot suspicious behaviour.
At this time, Martin is asking that volunteers patrol once a month for four hours.
Besides the sense of accomplishment that comes with performing a civic duty, there is an added benefit.
Javaroma is chipping in by providing free brewed coffee to volunteers.
Whenever volunteers are on patrol, they can drop by the shop for a free cup of joe, said co-owner Rami Kassem.
"We are a community-oriented place," he said. "We've been living here for a long time and we wish the best for the community, so anything to do with helping the community, we try our best to be involved."
In the past, Martin said volunteers have made an occasion out of their patrol duties.
"It could be a date night for a husband and wife," Martin added. "Grab a cup of coffee and go driving around."
Volunteer William MacLeod said he wants to contribute to making Yellowknife streets safe again.
"I lived in Yellowknife my whole life and I have noticed a lot of change over the years," he said.
"Back then you could leave your door unlocked and not worry about anything, and now you have (to) lock up everything before you leave."
