The Lloydminster RCMP gathered local businesses together to discuss reducing crime. Cst. Jaspreet Singh Rajpoot invited a number of businesses impacted by crime to come and learn simple ways to prevent it.
The Lloydminster RCMP says that, when properly used, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principals can reduce crimes of opportunity. The concept defines itself as “the proper design and effective use of the built environment, leading to a reduction in the incident and fear of crime and improvement in the quality of life.”
Cst. Rajpoot designed a presentation for the group of business owners aimed at raising awareness on the subject. He says things like clearly establishing territory, allowing for artificial and natural surveillance, and controlling access to areas through landscape features or building designs can all help reduce property crime in the city. Rajpoot believes it’s important to help make the community more aware because crime is on the rise.
“If you look at the demographics and stats of Alberta, and all over Canada, property crime is on the rise. Petty crime is also part of it. Vandalism, break and enters, arsons, thefts and shoplifting; this is something we can all prevent if we can work together,” says Rajpoot.
While steps like these can help property and business owners more immediately, Rajpoot sees it having a long-term impact. Steps like these can help the RCMP catch criminals easier and help involve the public more in the work police do.
“Of course we are doing our duty, we are doing our work. But if the community works with us and partners with us, we can all reduce crime fast, and by a very significant number,” says Rajpoot. While they specifically invited businesses which were the victims of crime, many more filled the detachment’s community hall. The response tells Rajpoot that the presentation may need to be held for more residents, and hopes those who came today will help others understand how to design more defensively.