A gathering of nearly 30 friends and neighbours came together at a home on University Drive in September to share concerns about personal safety and property security in the neighbourhood. The gathering was a strong indication of the importance of neighbours watching out for neighbours.
Following numerous on-the-sidewalk chats with Ward 6 neighbours about what appears to be an uptick in break-ins, suspicious and threatening behaviour, theft, confrontations, a serious assault, property damage and vandalism, a neighbourhood couple arranged a meeting with Constable Jason Tomaz, Community Engagement, Saskatoon Police Service.
Constable Tomaz made various recommendations about personal safety and reminded residents that common sense, as well as that tingling sense at the back of the neck, is often the best protection. He advised carrying a cell phone, avoiding walking in dark alleys at night, be aware of surroundings when walking, lock car doors when traveling/parking, avoiding groups of people when in a potentially vulnerable situation, and keep home, garage and shed doors locked.
He made several suggestions in the event of a confrontation, including staying calm, complying with demands like turning over a purse or wallet, avoiding physical retaliation, and call police immediately. Do not pursue the person (if a canine unit is dispatched, the dogs need a clear starting point to begin a search). He noted that it’s easy to say “keep calm,” but it’s important in a potentially dangerous situation. He reminded people to stay alert, and take note of as much detail as possible to assist police. Try to give as an exact location as possible, and provide information about what the person/s was wearing, the vehicle/bicycle, anything unusual about the person, if you heard voices, noises. Note the time. Constable Tomaz said the more immediate the reporting and the more detail, the better chance police, K9 units and police aircraft have of locating the suspects.
Residents at the neighbourhood meeting wondered if all incidents need to be reported, especially if they appear to be minor or items stolen “might not be worth that much.” Constable Tomaz said all incidents need to be reported so police have a clear and ongoing picture of activity in a neighbourhood. What is a minor theft to one resident might be connected to more serious incidents down the block or may be connected to suspects stealing even small items to sell for drug money. Make neighbours aware of suspicious or criminal activity. Email networks, or free phone apps like WhatsApp are useful tools.
Homeowners Karin and Rick, hosts for the neighbourhood gathering, said they started a communications network years ago. “We began connecting with neighbours with the ulterior motive that people would keep an eye out for our son who has a disability. We knew he could get help if he ever needed it. That network has grown a lot over the years and we now keep in touch about break-ins, lost cats, can you keep an eye on our house while we’re away, someone was causing a disturbance on the street at 3 a.m. Our neighbour Sheila is organizing a WhatsApp group. It was great to hear Constable Tomaz reinforce how important it is for a community to stay connected.”
The Saskatoon Police Service crime map outlines the various types of criminal activity/incidents, and reviews can be done by date, neighbourhood: https://map.saskatoonpolice.ca/
If the situation is an emergency, call 911.
A variety of incidents can be reported to the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) at 306-975-8300. Online reporting is available at the SPS website under “Report A Crime”. Check the list for what qualifies for on-line reporting. Use this link for crime reporting FAQs: https://saskatoonpolice.ca/onlinereporting/faq. Alternatively, reports can be submitted in person at the Saskatoon Police Station. Constable Tomaz recommends doing so in the mornings, if possible, as afternoons can be busier with a longer wait.
There is a bylaw against encampments in parks and along the riverbank. Enforcement mostly falls to the Fire Department. For non-emergencies, call 306-975-3030. If urgent (i.e. active fire or if one feels threatened) call 911.