Saskatchewan's rural communities seek enhanced support for crime prevention
The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is raising concerns about the growing issue of rural crime as a key priority for the upcoming provincial election.
According to a 2021 Statistics Canada report, Saskatchewan has the highest crime severity index for rural offences, highlighting the urgent need for more action to combat these challenges.
Rural Saskatchewan faces unique issues such as geographical spread, limited resources, longer emergency response times, and reduced access to specialized services.
"Rural Saskatchewan continues to grapple with a wide range of issues, from property crimes to traffic enforcement, all while balancing the needs of its diverse communities,” says Bill Huber, Acting President of SARM.
The vastness of rural areas results in longer police response times, often between 30 minutes to an hour.
This makes rural properties, especially farms, vulnerable to theft of machinery, fuel, and parts, causing financial losses and higher insurance premiums. Despite the best efforts of the RCMP, penalties for such crimes are minimal, leading to repeat offences.
“As we anticipate more officers being added to rural areas, SARM continues to push the provincial government for sustained support in increasing police staffing, imposing tougher penalties, and developing new initiatives to enhance collaboration between officers and communities. We also call for increased efforts to address the root causes of crime, such as issues stemming from mental health and addictions,” adds Huber.
SARM's call for action includes a focus on prevention, better policing resources, and addressing underlying issues to protect rural communities.