Ongoing initiative targeting downtown crime yielding results, says LPS

Lethbridge police intervened in the assault of a downtown business owner after covert officers working along 5 St. S. observed it happening.

Lethbridge Police Services say the officers immediately intervened and took the subject - who continued to fight with police - into custody.

The arrest, police said Monday in a news release, was part of the ongoing enforcement project targeting crime and social disorder in the city’s downtown core.

“The ongoing operation, involving a combination of uniform and covert officers actively targeting offenders engaged in criminal activity and other negative behaviours in the city centre, was initiated in March and the second project took place April 18,” said police.

Members of the Downtown Policing Unit, Crime Suppression Team, Property Crimes Unit and Community Peace Officers, executed 31 outstanding warrants, arrested 26 people, laid 21 new charges, seized nearly 40 doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine, reversed two overdoses by administering Narcan, recovered two stolen bikes, one stolen vehicle and issued various tickets, in the operation.

Police also engaged with numerous citizens, stopping to answer questions, address concerns and simply make people aware of their presence.

The targeted enforcement operation will continue throughout the year and businesses and visitors in the downtown area can expect to see a heightened police presence on the days the teams are deployed as officers work to actively target high frequency offenders and areas with high volumes of crime, said LPS.

The operation was developed by police as part of the Service’s 2024 Annual Policing Plan, to help increase visibility and capacity in the downtown core.

The public can report suspicious and criminal activity they witness anywhere in the city by calling 403-328-4444.

LPS uses CompStat, a data-driven model where analytics are used to identify high-crime areas, prolific offenders and the most effective deployment of police resources. Knowing what is occurring, where it is happening and how often, helps give police an accurate picture of crime and disorder in the community, and enables more effective deployment of resources and enforcement strategies.

Some crimes can also be reported online, including theft under $5,000, mischief, theft from vehicles and damage to vehicles. There is also a category for ‘information only’ reports where citizens can report nuisance and noncriminal matters. Visit www.lethbridgepolice.ca and click online reporting.