The RCMP detachment in Coronation, Alta., is reminding Albertans across the province to report all suspicious criminal activity, no matter how minor it may seem.
"Timely and accurate reporting helps police better understand what's happening in the community and supports both short-term investigations and long-term crime prevention strategies," said Detachment Commander Sgt. Jeremy Houle, in a media release.
"Whether it’s a theft from a vehicle, a suspicious person, property damage, or an incident that happened days ago, reporting it to police helps build a clearer picture of local criminal activity."
The release notes that every report matters for multiple reasons.
Reasons include:
- What may seem like a minor or isolated incident could be part of a larger pattern of criminal activity and could help in identifying trends.
- Descriptions, times, locations, and stolen items can help connect incidents and identify suspects, as well as build suspect profiles.
- Increases in reported incidents may lead to additional patrols or the deployment of specialized teams and support units.
- Criminal activity often moves between communities, so reports from one area can often help solve crimes in another.
- Police analysts use reported data to track crime trends and support investigative planning.
- Reported property can be linked to suspects and recovered during arrests, often leading to multiple charges, and the return of items to the property owner.
- Report trends may support the introduction of targeted initiatives like bait vehicles, targeted patrols, or public education campaigns.
- Increased reporting can influence long-term staffing needs and resource allocation in the community.
- Investigations may take time to develop, and reporting helps officers follow up as new information becomes available.
Crimes can be reported to detachments in several ways.
In an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, your local detachment can be reached by calling 310-RCMP (310-7267). Minor crimes can also be reported online through the RCMP app, available on Apple and Android devices.
For more information and safety tips, follow the Alberta RCMP on its social media channels.
