Over the last year I have heard from many people that they do not report minor crimes or property crimes. A lot of people think that the only reason to call the police is to get a police response to “that” crime. However, reporting crimes is important for a few reasons.
The reason to report a crime is not just to catch a perpetrator or to get the police to solve that crime. Sometimes nothing can be done about a crime which already occurred, however the information gathered about that crime may be able to help police predict or anticipate future criminal behaviour and activity. Police forces all across North America use statistical analysis as one tool in helping to solve and prevent crime. Members of the community can help in many ways. The most productive is to practice crime prevention strategies (become a hard target for crime). But, if you become a victim of any type of crime – REPORT IT. When crimes are reported, that data can be analyzed by the police to anticipate where and even when crimes may happen. The more data, the better chance of catching the criminals. What if your neighbourhood recently had several incidents of car thefts and you saw someone pulling the door handles along your street. Without the initial reports neither you nor the police would know to watch for suspicious activities. But knowing about the recent crime, would you be more likely to report that suspicious person? Would the police be more likely to respond knowing of the recent increase in crime in that area?
Our neighbourhood experienced a rash of vandalism. We called the police to REPORT IT. Then while cleaning it up, we talked with a couple of neighbours and told them we reported it and why. We knew the police would not be able to find the perpetrators but we knew that statistics on crimes can play a role in policing. Although our case was not too serious it was worth reporting. About a week later our neighbour found broken lights on his property and on the road. After some discussions with them and other neighbours we found that there were over a dozen incidents in the previous few weeks. Some were minor but one was more serious. A garage door was so badly damaged it had to be replaced. Our neighbourhood clearly had a vandalism problem and unfortunately no one reported any of it initially. Since then reports were made. Now, not only are the police aware but our neighbours are working together. We keep an eye out for each other, and we are informing other neighbours as well. We all know how important it is to report crimes and suspicious activity or persons.
By reporting crimes we can help EPS identify if a crime wave is in a neighbourhood. The police only know about spikes in crimes if crimes are reported. By reporting we can provide more information to the police. The more information that is received the more accurately and quickly they can identify and apprehend the suspects. So, if you are victim of a crime REPORT IT!
The EPS has made it very easy to report a crime. You can report crimes such as: Damage to Property, Damage to Vehicle, Lost Property, Theft from Vehicle under $5,000 or Theft under $5,000.
- Online at edmontonpolice.ca and click on “Report a Crime Online”.
- Using your mobile device app called “EPS Mobile”.
Any crime or suspicious person/activity can be reported by calling
- 780-423-4567
- #377 from your mobile phone
Until next time…
Debbie Sellers, ENW
Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch On Social Media