17 September 2016

September SRCWA President Feature, Lifetime Achievement Award and Legal Parade

Hi Everyone,


I hope everyone’s summer months were happy and healthy.   There were no meetings in July and August although our members were very busy attending parades in St. Albert, Morinville, Bon Accord, Gibbons and Legal.  All were well attended.  Cpl Robb helped us out by driving the RCMP truck pulling our float in the Gibbons parade.  We thank him for that.


As you remember, our communications director and webmaster have both retired and we continue to be in the process of transitioning to both new positions. We are in need of one or two volunteers – one volunteer can do both communications and the website or a volunteer in each position.  You will be provided with training.  These positions need to be filled rather quickly as it is two non-members who have been filling them since May. Please contact me if you or anyone you know is interested.  I may be reached at president@sturgeonruralcrimewatch.org or 780-939-4572. I really hope that with so many members in the county and towns that one or two people could volunteer to help us out.  All the updating has been done by our zone directors so the volunteers are essentially beginning with a clean slate. 


Our Zone director for Zone 9 (Highway 28 – to Highway 37 and from Secondary Highway 803 to RR 233) retired in May – if anyone is interested in filling the position or would like more information please contact me.


In July I asked Sgt Suleman if we could be added to the news media press release list and because we are not news media we are not allowed.  That being said, I think it is time to make some changes.


We fan out as many messages as we receive from the RCMP but we know there is much more criminal activity going on in the County and the Towns.  S/Sgt Suleman stated in his report to the County that theft and property crime is at a four year high.  I think it is time we put the onus on our members to help each other  -- I am asking that if you are aware of thefts, mailbox damage, property damage or anything else, that once the incident has been reported to the RCMP that you e-mail or call me and let me know. All we need is the address and a brief report of the incident. Once we have your permission, we will fan out the information. This way all of our members will receive the information within a reasonable length of time.


As I mentioned before, our zone directors have contacted all the members in their areas and updated their information.  We currently have 754 updated members.  I will remind everyone that SRCWA is not only for the rural area but it includes the towns, villages and hamlets within our boundaries.  We would like to see our memberships increase as the more “eyes and ears” we have in the communities the better.


September has been very busy with many events booked – Sept 7 some of our members attended Meet the Community in Gibbons, Sept 10 was the Picnic in the Park in Legal and Sept 15 was Meet the Community in Bon Accord. All events were excellent opportunities to re-acquaint ourselves with our current members and to meet prospective members.


 On September the 8th, Cpl Gulash, Cst Tearle and myself gave presentations to the Seniors Workshop in Redwater.  Cpl Gulash spoke on frauds and scams affecting mostly seniors and Cst Tearle spoke on Environmental Home Protection and I gave an overall description of SRCWA.   All of our presentations were well received and the RCMP were available to answer questions. The attendees were very receptive to our messages.


We received a donation from the County and our group as always is very appreciative of the support we receive from the Mayor and County Councillors, from riding on the floats, to donations, to attending our meetings.   


The Sturgeon County Volunteer Dinner was held on September 14th and John Danake was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.  John was an active member with SRCWA for many years and we Thank him for his many years of service.


We have 24” x 24” aluminum reflective signs that the County maintenance crew will install.  You may contact me with the location and a contact person and I will forward the information to Ken. 


As there have been a number of mailbox break-ins in the county and towns I would remind you to pick up your mail every day or if you are away to have the post office hold it for you.  There is so much information in your mailbox that the criminals could use to their advantage. Don’t make it easy for them.


If you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to contact me at president@sturgeonruralcrimewatch.org


Talk to you later


Francoise Meunier


President Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association


------------------
John Danake is the recipient of the Life Time Achievement Award presented by
the Sturgeon County.  The Volunteer Dinner was held on September 15th.  We
Thank John for his many years of service to SRCWA. 



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The Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association (SRCWA) members participated in
Fete au Village in Legal, AB on July 23, 2016 with 13 members riding on the
float and handing out candy. 
Photo by Dolly Bolen, the Free Press
Morinville AB





SRCWA #2016-098

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.
If you have any information in respect to the above or any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 9-1-1.

12 September 2016

Break & Enter and Mailbox Mischief

On Friday, August 5th, 2016, around the hours of 2:00pm in the afternoon, a series of three (3) residential break and enters to acreage homes occurred in the surrounding areas near the hamlet of Riviere Qui Barre in Sturgeon County.
 
The break ins are believed to have been caused by a single party who may have taken advantage of victims' work schedules, none of whom are believed to have been specifically targeted. None of the victims were home at the time.
 
The method of entry into the affected homes vary, but include prying into a rear door, and taking advantage of insecure bedroom windows and garage doors. Items stolen include cash, small electronics and jewellery.
 
All residents are reminded to ensure the safety and security of their home by locking all doors and windows in addition to considering installing motion lighting and alarm/surveillance systems.
 
A possible suspect has been identified, but the details are limited to the following:
 
Two males (no descriptors) driving a black newer model Mazda 3.
 
Please contact the Morinville RCMP should any helpful information surface pertaining to the above activity.
 
 
 
----------------------
 
 
 
On Thursday, September 1st, 2016, several reports of mischief and break ins to Canada Post Community Mailboxes (CMB's) began coming in.
 
Three locations were identified throughout Sturgeon County, and all were in relatively rural areas.
  1. Hwy 2 and Hwy 651
  2. Rge Rd 240 and Twp Rd 552
  3. 55517 Rge Rd 240
Although some of the locations are not necessarily near each other, they are likely the result of a single party.  Unfortunately, no suspects have been identified at this time.
 
Canada Post were immediately made aware of the damages.
 
All residents are encouraged to report to the RCMP any unusual activity or suspicious persons/vehicles seen near CMB's.
 
* An additional location was later noted : Rge Rd 262 and Hwy 651 
 






SRCWA #2016-097

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.
If you have any information in respect to the above or any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 
780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 9-1-1.

9 September 2016

Tues Sept.13, 2016 SRCWA meeting 7pm



To all SRCWA members:
  The first fall monthly meeting is Tuesday September 13, 2016 at 7pm at Morinville Provincial Building.  (10008 - 107 Street, Morinville)

All members are invited to attend.













SRCWA #2016-096

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.
If you have any information in respect to any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 
780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 9-1-1.

6 September 2016

Break & Enter

RCMP File # : 20161162752
 
Police received a complaint on September 2, 2016 at approximately 02:00 hrs that a restaurant near Legal had been broken into and the cash register stolen.
 
Police have no suspects at this time.   If you have any information, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550.


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September Back to School Awareness
Back to School Traffic Safety
 
This week many of Alberta’s students will be returning to classes across the province to start the new school year.  The Morinville RCMP would like to remind students, parents and drivers of a few safety tips which will make the return to school a safe one for everyone.
 
DRIVERS:
 
·         Drivers should familiarize themselves with the specific times during the school day when the school zones in their area are in effect and adhere to the posted speed limits
·         Drivers should remember to slow down in school zones and be particularly alert for students during school hours, especially when dropping off and picking up children from school.
·         School buses will once again be on the roads making frequent stops to pick up and drop off students.  Alternating flashing amber lights indicate that a school bus is slowing down.
·         When a school bus activates its alternately flashing red lights, it is signaling that it is going to stop.  Drivers must stop too.  It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus as long as its red lights remain activated.
·         Drivers should watch for students at crosswalks and obey the signals of crossing guards and traffic control devices.
·         Be aware that neighborhood streets near schools and school zones will experience an increase in both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.  Be careful when driving in these areas and “expect the unexpected.”
·         Driver distraction accounts for 20% to 30% of all collisions.  Put away electronic devices, beverages and food while driving. Avoid distracted driving and focus on the road and traffic.
·         Be on the lookout for children and students walking to school as you pull out or back out of your garage and driveway.
For children and parents:
·         Follow the bus safety rules - make sure you always ride the bus safely.
·         Point, Pause, and Proceed.  Be alert at intersections and always look for danger when crossing the street.
·         No helmet! No bike!  Always wear your helmet when riding your bike.
·         Always wear your safety gear when roller-blading, skateboarding, or riding your scooter.
 
 
By remembering these few simple traffic safety tips, students, parents and drivers can help one another enjoy a safe school year.  Each person has a part to play to ensure that all who use the roads in Alberta, do so in a manner which is safe for all Albertans.  


Where can I find more information about Back to School Awareness?
Additional information and resources can be found on the Saferoads website at:










SRCWA #2016-095

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.
If you have any information in respect to the above or any other crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 
780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 9-1-1.

1 September 2016

Mailbox Mischief

Sturgeon County - Sometime between August 20 and 25, many mailboxes near RR 242 and Twp. 554 were destroyed. Theft of mail is always a re-occurring issue.

Please see attached reference sheet with numbers for victims to call.
 
As always the same measure apply:
- Check mail daily
- Never send checks / cash / gift cards
- If away have neighbour pick up mail or put stop on mail at Canada Post
- Be on top of your personal information and do credit checks for suspicious activity
 
If you have any information or see anything suspicious please remember to call the Morinville RCMP.

RCMP file number 2016-1113985.






SRCWA #2016-094

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.
If you have any information in respect to the above or any other crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 
780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 9-1-1.