St. Albert's vandalism rate has increased 57% since 1995.
Canada's vandalism rate shows a general decline since 1991.
St. Albert's criminal code occurrences have risen 36% since 1993, while Canada's crime rate dropped 5% in 1999, the 8th consecutive annual drop.
YOU CAN HELP PREVENT VANDALISM
If you see anyone committing vandalism, report it to the police, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, school authorities or someone who can take action. Remember vandalism is a crime.
Support recreational programs for young people in your community. Volunteer your time, donate money or supplies, and help in any way you can.
Ask police or city authorities to start a hotline for reporting vandalism.
Involve the public, especially young people, in all vandalism prevention efforts and inform them about the costs of vandalism.
Clean up soon after the vandalism has occurred e.g. replace signs, repair playground equipment, paint over graffiti.
Adopt a street or park, perhaps in cooperation with your religious organization or business. Organize a monthly park patrol to clean up and keep a watchful eye.
Have a community meeting on vandalism to discuss its victims, costs and solutions.
Protect you house or apartment from vandalism by using good lighting and by locking gates and garages.
IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY
Crime prevention results in better use of public funds (your taxes), improved quality of life and increased economic development.
Each school board pays out thousands of dollars to repair buildings and replace equipment that has been vandalized every year.
The City of St. Albert pays for vandalism that occurs to City buildings, parks, bus shelters and to any other city property.
Businesses pass the costs of vandalism on to customers through higher prices.
JOIN A GROUP
Neighbourhood Watch - contact Tyson Spence at 459-8162.
Citizen's Patrol - contact Nancy Nelson at 459-0519.
RCMP (Volunteer) - contact Cpl. Don Brown at 458-4307.
