MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR · MAY 2000

THIS ISSUE

A month ago (end of February), when the St. Albert Gazette ran their “Building A Crime-Free Community” article, involving the Neighbourhood Watch Program, I was surprised to find that only 10% of the residents, or approximately 1300 households, participate in the program.

Being a long-term St. Albert resident, and appreciating St. Albert for all of it’s virtues, I decided to take a pro-active approach to becoming a Neighbourhood Watch member, and providing whatever services I could, in an attempt to raise awareness about Neighbourhood Watch and it’s benefits to All St. Albert residents.

I had the pleasure of meeting with the St. Albert Neighbourhood Watch Steering Committee in March, and found that there are a number of areas in St. Albert that still require the presence of Neighbourhood Watch, whether it be in the form of “New Members”, “Block Captains”, or “Area Leaders”.

I feel confident that the people of St. Albert are more than capable of making the City of St. Albert, the best known presence of Neighbourhood Watch, bar-none.  So why is our membership only 10%?.  That is a question that remains to be answered, and since we are unable to answer on behalf of the whole of St. Albert, let’s, instead, look at good reasons to become Neighbourhood Watch Members!

·    You get to know who your neighbours are, and while you keep an eye out for their safety, they are keeping an eye out for yours.

·    You receive security tips and information from your block captains, area leaders, or through a monthly newsletter such as this.

·   You can have the self-satisfaction that your are helping to prevent crime in the most effective way …Before it starts.

·  You are assisting The R.C.M.P. by providing them with the information they need to minimize personal and property crimes.

·  The Program is Voluntary, with NO Expense to you!.

·    Statistics prove that the program Works

·    Bringing Communities Together

Please feel free to contact any of the Steering Committee members for more information on the program, or e-mail me at laurie_pederson@hotmail.com.

Enjoy the tips and information inside J

Laurie L. Pederson