by Jeannine Konrad
As I sat watching the snow fall in a month that usually brings rain showers and pondered the importance of community, these ancient sayings (known as the Golden Rule), came to mind: “Love your neighbour as yourself and treat others as you would like others to treat you”. Summed up: “What you give out, comes back to you” – it’s Karma.
These ancient truths and the belief in them, can be encapsulated in the principles of love, kindness, and mutual respect. These values not only foster a desirable living environment but are also foundational in building a safe and secure community.
Going Back in Time
Crime Prevention and Safety, where did it begin?
I’ve lived in Kingsland for over 40 years, but it wasn’t until 2020, that I became aware of the increased crime in this community I love so much. That happened when two houses in three days on my street were burglarized!
In talking with my neighbours who had their garages broken into, I discovered neither had their back gate nor garage door locked. These criminal acts would not have been successful if the homeowners had an understanding of how to protect their property. For me these incidents of burglary so close to home served as a wake-up call. This realization spurred a proactive approach to Crime Prevention, leading to my coming on board with the Kingsland Community Association (KCA) as the Crime Prevention and Safety Director. To gain a better understanding in the prevention of the criminal activity within Kingsland, I connected with our Community Resource Officer, Constable Jake Tyerman. This became a pivotal step in understanding how to safeguard our community and the importance of passing that information onto the residents of Kingsland. To that end, every month Constable Tyerman provides an overview of the criminal activities within our community and trends to be aware of. These can be found in the KCA monthly meeting minutes.
Putting It into Practice
The landscape of Kingsland is changing. Calgary’s city council is moving forward with the densification of certain neighbourhoods, one of which is Kingsland. This means an increased population within the small boundaries of our community. As Kingsland continues to grow, welcoming an influx of new faces and families into our community, the dynamics of how we live together inevitably will evolve. With this growth, the onus is on each one of us to maintain the safety and harmony in our neighbourhood. Unfortunately, crime is a reality in any society, but with each of us doing our part, we can ensure Kingsland remains a safe, welcoming, and thriving community. Understanding that being educated about ways to keep our community safe is invaluable, yet the true measure of this information lies in its application. An excellent example of this principle in action is when we notice a neighbour struggling to maintain their property, such as shovelling snow from their sidewalk. Offering a helping hand not only eases their burden but also ensures the safety of everyone who happens to come by that way.
Bringing It Together
The passion behind Crime Prevention and Safety is driven by the philosophy that prevention is the best form of protection. By providing residents with knowledge and encouraging the practice of safety tips, such as the 9 PM routine, the aim to minimize opportunities for criminal activity and keeping people safe, is achieved. By fostering a community spirit where people look out for one another, potential criminals are less likely to find easy targets. This could mean simple actions like being mindful of suspicious activities, offering to keep an eye on a neighbour’s house while they’re away, or ensuring communal areas are well-lit and secure. These acts of kindness and vigilance, inspired by the Golden Rule, not only help in crime prevention but also in building a safer, more caring community. And that’s the goal – together we are Keeping Kingsland Safe!
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