In mid-April, Saskatchewan RCMP launched the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network designed to connect RCMP detachments to their community members. In a press release on June 6th, RCMP Media Relations announced that the service had reached 10,341 subscribers. The service has issued over 200 advisories aimed at providing timely information regarding crime within the province. RCMP report significant responses from the public which have led to the successful conclusions of a number of investigations. 

“The success stories from across the province show that we can all come together to help reduce rural crime and keep our communities safe. I encourage everyone to continue to sign up for the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network, and to help be the eyes and ears of their community,” Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell said.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Fisher, Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP confirms the success of the program thus far, “We have been able to recover stolen property, lay charges, resolve suspicious persons complaints and make the public more aware of what is happening in their communities.”

Fisher goes on to invite everyone in the province to join the network so that everyone has the opportunity to participate and help solve crime.

The release reports a number of incidents in which the network played an instrumental role:

  • The recovery of a stolen ATV by Milestone RCMP;
  • The recovery of two stolen flatdeck trailers and several other pieces of oilfield equipment by Estevan RCMP;
  • The recovery of a stolen tow truck by Canora RCMP;
  • The recovery of a stolen truck and trailer by the Wadena RCMP; 
  • White Butte and Southey RCMP received reports of potential sightings of a suspect vehicle that was involved in a pursuit with police;
  • Milestone RCMP were able to resolve a report of an attempted break and enter. The “suspect” in this incident called in and confirmed that he was, in fact, a service person.

Members of the public can join the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network at www.saskatcrimewatch.ca.