Heartland residents bundled up and braved the cold wind last weekend to learn from emergency officials how they can prevent crime and stay safe in their neighbourhood.
“We all have concerns,” said Heartland Community Association president and rally organizer Anya Wharton. “We love each other, we care about each other.
“It’s really hard … when things aren’t safe.”
Families from Cochrane’s newest developed area gathered in Paint Horse Drive Park Saturday morning, along with representatives from Cochrane’s police, fire and ambulance services, to discuss ongoing vehicle break-ins, thefts and more.
Wharton said although the community association was only established in July, the group heard enough concerns from residents that they wanted to do something to connect citizens directly with solutions.
“When you hear that someone’s gone through their garage or their car, you feel for them,” Wharton said of her friends in the area. “The community association is very new but we’re all geared toward meeting the needs of the community … (Residents) are all experiencing all the same issues. What can we do to prevent it?”
Cochrane RCMP Const. Harry Rai addressed the crowd first, reminding people to lock their cars and bring inside all valuables like purses, wallets and tools.
He also suggested keeping outside lights on, installing motion detectors and resisting the urge to leave a car running with the keys inside.
Police shared a story about five cars in Cochrane being stolen in one morning as a testament to his warning.
“There have been lots of theft from motor vehicles and theft of motor vehicles,” he said, adding recording the serial numbers of valuable items is also helpful in the recovery of stolen property. “It’s not only Cochrane, it’s everywhere – but they’re looking for easy targets.”
Wharton said many of her friends and neighbours have husbands who work in the oil and gas industry, which presents unique safety issues for mothers alone at home with young children.
Ambulance officials suggested parents make sure kids know their address in case of a medical situation that renders mom or dad unavailable, and firefighter Rob Olenick discussed the importance making sure children know the importance of trusting the sound of a smoke alarm.
“Kids are … sleeping through their smoke detectors because they’re so sensitive,” he said. “Always have a plan inside your house.”
Wharton said she was thrilled with the response from emergency officials, who gave their time to speak to residents, entertain children and get to know the neighbourhood.
Rai agreed that the key to combatting crime is a coordinated approach.
“If we work together, we can prevent crime,” said the officer. “It’s all a community effort.”
