A sharp rise in criminal activity compared to the previous year has prompted a municipal district in northern Alberta to declare a local state of emergency.
Statistics provided by the RCMP indicate that break-and-enter incidents and motor-vehicle thefts in the M.D. of Opportunity No. 17 have surged by 83 percent and 160 percent, respectively, from 2022 to the present year, spanning from January to September.
The epicenter of this surge in criminal activity appears to be the Hamlet of Calling Lake, as reported by Reeve Marshall Auger in a statement to CTV News Edmonton on a Friday. Auger noted that this situation had been ongoing for a few years, but in the past six months, it had escalated to dangerous levels.
The increase in criminal activity is believed to be linked to a rise in gang-related incidents, possibly stemming from increased drug trafficking. The area has witnessed shootings, even in residential neighborhoods, break-ins, and thefts. Criminals appear to employ intimidation tactics, making residents feel unsafe in their own homes, in public places, and on the roadways.
Cheri Courtorielle, a ward councillor for Calling Lake, emphasized that many of the victims of these recent crimes are elderly individuals. She described how the criminals were not simply breaking into homes but were invading while occupants were present. Victims were often confronted with firearms, and the situation had escalated to the point where residents were afraid to stay home, be in the community, or even venture out alone. A significant portion of the population in the affected area comprises elderly individuals who are unable to protect themselves adequately.
The local state of emergency was activated on Wednesday and will be in effect for seven days, with the possibility of renewal. This declaration enables the M.D. to allocate funds to hire additional security personnel and police officers. Auger also disclosed that the M.D. is exploring the installation of security cameras to monitor crime hotspots and major intersections.
Auger further revealed that efforts have been made for years to establish an RCMP detachment in Calling Lake. Progress has been made in discussions with Alberta RCMP’s K Division regarding accommodation and implementation plans, although nothing is currently in place. The M.D. considers a detachment to be essential at this point.
A meeting is scheduled to take place next week involving residents, the local MLA, and the RCMP to address the concerning situation.