Over the past couple of months, the Eagle has reported a number of vehicle thefts and home break-ins in town. The incidents range from a young man who had $100 of recyclable stolen to a family who came face-to-face with a potentially armed robber in their garage.
They all have one thing in common, they appear to be crimes of opportunity. In most of the cases, the perpetrators entered open garages or through unlocked doors.
Cochrane, despite its size, has been fortunate to retain much of its small town atmosphere. That is evident by the amazing support community events receive and the way so many people selflessly step up to help those in need.
Unfortunately, there are those who would take advantage of that good nature and capitalize on people’s sense of safety. More people, Cochrane’s proximity to Calgary and the fact the town sits on two major provincial thoroughfares increases the likelihood that we will become targets of undesirable elements of society.
Fortunately, there are ways we can safeguard not only our property but also our sense of security all while building the sense of community we all take pride in.
Firstly, and most simply, take the time to crime proof your homes. This doesn’t require intimidating iron bars, searchlights or remote sentry guns. A few simple changes in behaviour can deter those opportunist thugs who cruise neighborhoods looking for things to pinch.
Ensure doors and windows are locked, don’t let flyers pile up on the doorstep and install motion sensitive lighting around the home so crooks can’t hide in the shadows.
Also, keep the garage door closed. While this is especially important while away, it is also a good idea to keep them closed when you are home as well. The boy whose bottles were lifted and the family who stumbled upon a man threatening to use a gun were both home when the criminals invaded their garage.
If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time have someone you trust check in on your property on a daily basis. There are also systems that will automatically turn lights on and off at regular intervals to make it appear people are home. Investing in a security system is also an option.
While crime proofing is prudent, we can also work together as a community to ensure would-be criminals don’t see Cochrane homes as easy targets.
Community watch programs can be an effective tool. They are simple to organize and there are signs that can be posted to let prowlers know there are always eyes on the street.
Report suspicious activity to the police. Quite often people see things that seem out of place or unusual and shrug it off, or worry about getting involved only for it to be nothing. Sometimes it is better safe than sorry.
Finally, get to know your neighbours. While this might seem cliché and conjure images of strangers coming over with home baked pies, there is no better way to create a safer neighbourhood than by fostering a space where people care about one another.
Organize block parties, offer to mow lawns, or just go for a friendly chat. If that doesn’t work, bring pie – everyone likes pie. If you know and like your neighbours, chances are you will recognize when something is wrong and be more inclined to act.
By collectively working to deter crime we can all work to preserve our sense of security. That is the best way to ensure we never lose our small town charm, no matter how much our population might grow.
