'Extra set of eyes': Winnipeg neighbourhood looking at ways to curb crime
Residents in a south-Winnipeg neighbourhood are ready to take matters into their own hands following a rash of car break-ins late last week.
People living in Sage Creek say they are tired of crime in the area – the most recent happening last Friday when some people woke up to smashed car windows and their garages broken into.
Some neighbours are now calling for the formation of a community patrol group, which advocates say could help curb crime.
Tracey Alderson was one of the victims of the break-ins, having her e-bike stolen, and she thinks a watch group would be a good idea.
"I think it would be needed here," said Alderson. "I just wish the police has more resources to devote to something like this, because even so, it seems they don't get prosecuted if they're caught."
Detlef Hindemith, the program administrator for Manitoba Citizens on Patrol Program, said these kinds of watch groups can provide assistance to police.
"We are an extra set of eyes and ears for law enforcement," said Hindemith.
The Manitoba Citizens on Patrol Program has residents patrolling the streets in about 40 communities across the province, including four in Winnipeg.
"You are documenting details."
Leila Castro had a similar idea when she started 204 Neighbourhood Watch in the Maples seven years ago.
"So we try to be proactive by going out, being visible, by letting people know that, 'Hey, we are facing a problem here,'" said Castro.
The group has grown to have more than 100 people involved and Castro now helps other neighbourhoods get their own patrols on the streets.
"I do believe that if we help each other in the city, if we’re going to have the same thinking about keeping our neighbourhood safe, I believe we will have impact by doing that."
Alderson just hopes something will be done to prevent this in the future.
In the meantime, she has left a message on her garage door for any would-be thieves, saying, "Move along. Nothing to steal here. We gave already."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7028745.1725663146!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Pakistani citizen arrested in Canada, charged with plotting terrorist attack in New York
A Pakistani citizen who resided in Canada has been charged with plotting a terrorist attack at a Jewish centre in New York City.
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies after collapsing outside Winnipeg courthouse
The Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has died after collapsing outside of the Manitoba courthouse Friday afternoon, according to multiple sources.
Woman who was denied a liver transplant, after review highlighted alcohol use, has died
Questions are being raised about the case of a 36-year-old Ontario woman who died of liver failure after she was rejected for a life-saving liver transplant after a medical review highlighted her prior alcohol use.
Montreal man given $664 fine for tying dog to parking meter while grabbing a croissant
A Montreal man who tied his dog to a parking meter while he entered a bakery is now facing a hefty fine for breaking a law he had no idea existed.
Canada-wide warrant issued for woman in fatal Toronto shooting
A 36-year-old woman is wanted for first-degree murder following a shooting near an after-hours club in Toronto earlier this month.
Molson Coors ends diversity, equity and inclusion policies, moves to 'broader view'
Brewing company Molson Coors says it is dropping its diversity, equity and inclusion policies and taking a 'broader view' in which all employees know they are welcome.
Selena Gomez is a billionaire
Selena Gomez can now add becoming a billionaire to her long list of achievements.
Teen girl charged with attempted murder after student set on fire at Saskatoon high school
A 14-year-old girl faces an attempted murder charge after a 15-year-old girl was doused in a flammable substance and set on fire at a Saskatoon high school Thursday.
Victim of Vancouver stranger attacks had surgery to reattach severed hand: police
The surviving victim of a pair of stranger attacks in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday has undergone surgery to reattach his hand after it was severed in the assault, according to police.