by Karen Wilson on behalf of the BCA Development and Transportation Committee
Calgary Police Service and the Brentwood Community
As a member of the Development and Transportation Committee, I attended an information session held by the Calgary Police Service, District 3. Here are some of the highlights from the presentation.
Calgary Police Service – District 3
District 3 represents 34 residential areas and is divided into 4 zones. Included in District 3 are the University of Calgary, SAIT, AUArts, Northland Mall, Brentwood Mall, numerous strip malls, 8 LRT platforms, and the Foothills and Children’s hospitals.
The population within this district is about 127,297 people. The police force is authorized for 130 constables which represents a 1:979 ratio. Brentwood is in zone 4.
When to call 911:
When you see any crime in progress (driving impaired, a serious injury motor vehicle collision, assault, domestic violence, painting graffiti, or any crime that is happening NOW) or if you are concerned for yourself or someone’s safety or well-being. The non-emergency line is 403-266-1234.
Traffic
If you have a request around parking, signage, temporary barriers or barricades, or transit, please contact 311.
For ongoing traffic concerns related to speeding, playground zones, trucks/commercial vehicles, pedestrian safety issues, intersection safety issues, motorcycle issues, or illegal turns, please submit a Traffic Service Request by going onto the Calgary police website www.calgary.ca/cps and click on “Report a traffic concern”.
Enmax Bright Nights
Most of Brentwood qualifies for an Enmax program that will light up your alley! Enmax will install a bright, energy-efficient light on an existing wooden power pole in your alley. A sensor turns the light on at dusk and off at dawn.
The cost of this service is $17.59/month per light (minimum term of 12 months), which can be shared between up to six neighbours. Your portion of the cost will be applied to your monthly ENMAX utility bill or they can set up a special account for non-ENMAX customers. For more information you can email Enmax at [email protected].
What is SCAN?
The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit makes communities safer by using civil legislation to target residential and commercial problem properties. This includes drug trafficking, prostitution, and gang-related crime. SCAN holds owners accountable for activity taking place on their property and supports landlords by helping them remove problem tenants who disrupt neighbourhoods and destroy property. The unit initiates investigations based on citizen tips and works in partnership with residents to increase safety.
How does SCAN work?
When a community member reports a problem property to SCAN, the unit will begin an investigation. Once the investigation confirms the activity, investigators will contact the property owner to try and solve the problem informally. If informal efforts are unsuccessful, SCAN can apply to the courts for a Community Safety Order (CSO) that calls for owners to meet a number of conditions, or for the property to be closed for up to 90 days. SCAN uses civil legislation to target properties, not people. Any criminal activity uncovered when dealing with these properties is turned over to the police to investigate.
What are signs I can look for in my neighbourhood?
The following are common signs of suspicious or illegal activity. Observing one of the following doesn’t always signal illegal activity, but if they occur frequently or together, a problem may exist.
Signs to look for include:
- Residents that are rarely seen, distant or secretive
- Frequent visitors and unusual traffic at odd times of the day or night
- People repeatedly visiting the property who only go to the door for short durations and increased vehicle or foot traffic
- Frequent late-night activity
- Windows blackened or curtains always drawn
- Extensive investment in home security
- Neglected property and yard
- Presence of drug paraphernalia or strange odours coming from the property
- Residents who regularly meet vehicles near the property for short periods of time
If you are suspicious of a property, do not investigate it yourself or approach the occupants. Contact local police or SCAN.
Call SCAN toll-free at 1-866-960-SCAN (7226). You can also file a complaint online at www.scan.alberta.ca. If enough evidence exists to support the complaint, SCAN will investigate.
The 9 PM Routine
50% of break-ins occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., so make this checklist your 9 PM Routine!
- Remove valuables from vehicles
- Close overhead garage door
- Lock all doors and vehicles
- Close and lock all windows
- Turn on an exterior light
Know your neighbour
Do you know the first name of at least 5 of your neighbours? Would you be able to tell police the addresses around you if you witnessed a break-in or other suspicious activity? If you answered no, fill in the card to know your neighbours! Visit the Federation of Calgary Communities to get your card. https://calgarycommunities.com/updates/my-neighbour-card/
Bike Registry
Bike theft is up in the city. Register your bike for free by going to www.project529.com
On behalf of the Development and Transportation Committee, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!
If you are interested in community planning and redevelopment issues, we welcome new members to join us. We meet at 7:00 p.m. on the first Monday of every month in the Sportsplex Boardroom. Upcoming meeting dates are January 6, February 3 and March 2, 2020. Contact the BCA for more information at [email protected] or at 403–284-3477.
