A new initiative, prompted by an increase in reports of residential break-and-enters and property crime, will see Winnipeg police officers going door-to-door in a North End neighbourhood.
The Winnipeg Police Service launched its Home Smart Initiative Friday, in the William Whyte neighbourhood.
Over the weekend, police officers, cadets and volunteers are canvassing the area, to chat with residents about how they can better protect their property.
Police said they chose to launch the program in the William Whyte neighbourhood because of a notable increase in property- related crimes.
Patrol Sergeant Phil Penner said decisions are often driven by statistics.
“We have to look at where things are happening and crime trends,” Penner said.
“We want to go out into these areas and actually go door-to-door to see if we can determine ‘why this area is being hit more than another area?’”
Tara Tulloch lives in the neighbourhood and said she recently started double checking that the doors in her home were locked.
“Just recently two people tried to come into the house,” Tulloch said. “And we forgot to lock the door unfortunately.”
Tulloch said while the police presence is comforting, she also relies on a system of communicating with her neighbours.
“We all know each other, so we all look out for each other,” she said.
Inspector Jamie Blunden said it’s not an isolated issue.
“Property crime is on the rise throughout the city of Winnipeg,” he said.
Blunden also said the service uses its Smart Policing Initiative (SPI) to look at data, and identify which areas of the city are “hot zones” and might benefit more from canvassing.
Volunteers with the Bear Clan Patrol will join officers and cadets in going door-to-door.
Bear Clan co-founder James Favel said he believes initiatives like this one can help to build better relationships with community members.
“Safety in communities is not rocket science,” Favel said. “Situational awareness, communication with your neighbours, these are the basis of building any strong community.”
