Community Watch
Building Safe Communities
Crime happens in Canmore. Together, we can look out for ourselves, loved ones, and greater community to promote safe neighbourhoods. Here are some tips and guidelines for fostering a feeling of safety in your neighbourhood and what to do if you notice something suspicious.
Make a point of reaching out to those neighbours that you don’t know. Visit Do Good In Your Hood - you’ll make new friends and help with the Canmore Community Watch Program.
Suspicious Activity
We encourage residents to watch out for each other to reduce crime in our town. Community members are the eyes and ears of the community and should report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods, whenever they occur.
We can't stress enough the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. Sometimes, people are reluctant to call 911 about behavior that they feel is suspicious because they believe their call will be a burden or unnecessarily tie up police resources. In fact, reporting suspicious activity immediately can help police prevent or interrupt crime.
· Unusual noises, including screaming, sounds of fighting, breaking glass
· People in or around buildings or areas who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business
· Unauthorized people in restricted areas
· Vehicles driving slowly and aimlessly through neighborhoods, around schools or parking lots
· People peering into parked vehicles that are not their own
· People who change their behavior when they notice they have been seen
· People dressed inappropriately for the weather or occasion, (i.e., heavy coat in warm weather)Abandoned parcels or other items in unusual locations (i.e. in a lobby or elevator)
· You believe a specific crime is happening
· You believe something is suspicious
What makes it suspicious? Be able to explain to the 911 call taker why the behavior you are seeing/hearing is suspicious. What gives you the feeling that a crime is in progress or about to occur? Don't doubt your instincts. Call 911 and let our call takers evaluate and respond to the information you provide.
Suspect Identification
· Hair colour, length, wig, cap, hat, ski mask, stocking mask, baseball hat
· Sex
· Age
· Eye colour, glasses
· Race, colour of skin
· Nose, lips, teeth, ears, hearing aid, facial jewelry, facial hair
· Voice, language, accent, lisp
· Unusual facial features, cleft chin
· Scars, marks, tattoos, amputations, deformities
· Right or left-handed, wearing watch, rings or bracelets
· Gun, knife, club, or other weapon
· Clothing length and colour, jacket, necktie, shorts, pants, skirt
· Name if heard called out
· Carrying anything
· Shoes, colour, and types
When noting a license plate record it immediately but pay attention not only to the plate number but also the province or state and if it cannot be determined, note the colour and description of the plate.
