Rural Crime Watch is getting a higher profile around Prince George and police are hoping an even bigger presence will grow.
A corporate donor, Extraction Waste Management, covered the cost of posting a Rural Crime Watch sign in the Ferguson Lake area at the north edge of the city. It announces that the area is signed on to a crime prevention program in which neighbours take special care to watch out for one another.
"The program currently has 12 active Rural Crime Watch groups in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George," said RCMP Cpl. Carissa Hornoi in charge of the city's Community Policing Centre. The program works with neighbours to instill a system of watching out for each other's property and safety, in partnership with the police and BC Conservation Service.
"There are really only two commitments required to participate and have a successful program: be concerned about your neighbour's property as you would your own, and report suspicious or criminal activity to the police and neighbours," Hornoi said.
Ferguson Lake Rural Crime Watch captain Ellen Loughery said the group was grateful for the sign, and pledged to continue their volunteer efforts to maintain a safe rural neighbourhood. The sign is now up at the intersection of North Kelly Road and Ferguson Lake Road.
"We are very grateful for the support we get from the RCMP and the BC Conservation Officer Service," said Loughery. "As a community we have been able to tackle some of our neighbourhood issues. We are vigilant in reporting suspicious activity. Our Rural Crime Watch signs advertise our commitment to keeping our neighbourhood safe."
If you are interested in joining an established Rural Crime Watch or starting up a new one, please contact the Prince George RCMP Community Policing Section at (250)561-3366.
