by Ron Bettin, BRCA Safe Community Director ([email protected])
Community awareness and timely reporting deter crime and support effective policing. Suspicious activity can include peering into homes or vehicles, testing door handles, carrying break‑in tools, or loitering without a clear purpose around properties. It can also involve unusual vehicle behaviour: circling repeatedly, lingering with lights off, or speeding away when observed or noticed. Trust your instincts and prioritize safety: never confront; instead, observe discreetly and record objective details such as location, time, descriptions (height, clothing, distinguishing marks), direction of travel, and vehicle make, model, colour, and licence plate (even partials help).
Decide the right reporting channel. Call 9‑1‑1 for emergencies or crimes in progress, threats to life, or when danger is imminent. Use the Calgary Police Service (CPS) non‑emergency line (403‑266‑1234) for non‑urgent attendance or to provide information that may help patrols (e.g., suspicious loitering or property checks). Many incidents that have already occurred—certain thefts, mischief to property, and some break‑and‑enters to detached spaces—can be reported online at calgary.ca/cps/report-a-crime. Accurate reports create data that informs resource allocation and hotspot analysis.
When you’re unsure whether behaviour is suspicious, consider context: time of day, location (e.g., quiet residential lane vs. retail area), and actions that don’t fit normal patterns (checking mailboxes at night, trying car doors, carrying crowbars). If you prefer to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers provides a secure phone number, 800-222-8477, or website www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx to share information and upload photos/videos. Remember that your safety comes first—capture descriptive details to support police but do not follow individuals.
Community habits amplify impact: your awareness and timely reporting help to deter crime and support effective policing.
Community Safety Contacts
• 9-1-1: Emergency Services (For emergencies or crimes in progress)
• 403-266-1234: Calgary Police Non-Emergency Line, or https://www.calgary.ca/cps/report-a-crime.html
• 3-1-1: City of Calgary (For bylaw-related issues: graffiti, encampments, animals, etc.), or https://calgary-cwiprod.motorolasolutions.com/cwi/tile
• 800-222-8477: Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tips Line, or www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx
• 2-1-1: Mental Health Support
The BRCA Safe Community Committee exists to enhance the safety, security, and well-being of Bridgeland-Riverside residents through collaboration, community connection, and proactive initiatives. We believe the safest communities are those where all members feel welcome and included, supported by a strong sense of belonging, active engagement, and regular interaction with one another.
If you are interested in contributing to the safety of Bridgeland-Riverside, please contact us at [email protected] or join us for our meetings at 7:00 pm at the BRCA Hall Lantern Room, the first Tuesday of each month.
Click here to the Bridgeland/Riverside Community News home page for the latest Bridgeland/Riverside community updates.
