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Editorial: Bringing down crime

One of the best tools the police have in fighting crime is communication with the community

Breaking the law is getting harder in this little corner of paradise.

The crime stats for Agassiz and Harrison are on a downward trend, and that means something is working. (See story front page).

With better mapping tools and analysts, the RCMP are able to pinpoint exactly where crime is occurring and can dispatch resources accordingly.

But one of the best tools the police have in fighting crime is communication with the community. Every time someone calls in a report that their vehicle has been rifled through, or that someone took off with a bicycle, broke a window or stole from their business, the police gain a little window into local criminal patterns.

Little by little, these pieces stack up to build a bigger picture. And when that happens, perhaps one more prolific offender could be taken off the streets. Perhaps one more victim of crime would be able to sleep better at night.

The more clues the police gather, the more crimes they could potentially solve. And the more criminals that meet justice, the safer we all can feel.

But communication is key.

Almost everyone has access to a cell phone, or a house phone. And all of us can act as eyes and ears for our own property, our own street, our own neighbourhood. While many are also turning to social media sites to spread the word about crime sprees and share information, it's important to contact your local RCMP office as well.

Yes, it's true. The police may not always catch the criminal, and even when they do, the system may just spit them out again. But one thing is true, help is always just a phone call away.

And in the meantime, lock up your belongings. Remember that the best way to invite a thief into your home, is through an open door.