Observe, don’t intervene in crimes in progress, police official advises
Bystanders should take mental pictures if they witness a crime, instead of stepping in, police say.
While many things can be done to prevent crime, bystanders should avoid getting directly involved, Edmonton police Supt. David Veitch told a Crime Prevention Week news conference Monday at Giovanni Caboto Park.
The first thing to do is move away and be safe, he said.
“It’s human nature to want to assist, but they should do so in a manner that includes their own safety as well, not just the safety of the person being attacked,” he said.
Attempting to stop a crime can be dangerous, Veitch said. In April, a 61-year-old man died of injuries sustained when he tried to stop a thief at Southgate Centre mall. His attacker was charged with seconddegree murder.
Second, bystanders should take a mental picture to help police later on, providing a description of the crook and what they were doing.
“Giving us a good description … is very important,” Veitch said.
Third, bystanders should either call 911 if it is an emergency, or the police non-emergency line (780423-4567).
People should call even if they ’re not sure what they’re seeing is a crime in progress — sometimes it can be nothing, but other times, their report can result in an important arrest, Veitch said.
The Southgate Centre mall killing spurred Edmonton police to collaborate more with transit security and increase police presence at transit platforms.
“We’re developing a more comprehensive plan in dealing with safety along the LRT,” Veitch said.
Criminal acts can happen at places like transit stops, Veitch said. Crooks sometimes approach passengers and ask for cigarettes, then rob them, he said.
“Crime prevention is something we’re doing all the time, but it’s important to check back in with the community and emphasize its importance,” Veitch said of Crime Prevention Week, which runs through Friday.
It is being held in collaboration with the city, police Neighbourhood Empowerment Teams, Crime Stoppers, The Family Centre and REACH Edmonton. Events will cover safety in transit, apartments and homes, and public places.
Crime prevention is something we’re doing all the time, but it’s important to check back in with the community and emphasize its importance