Edmonton is struggling with crime. It’s been in the news for quite some time and the city has even been referred to by some as ‘Murder Capital of the World’.
In 2012, Edmonton experienced a violent crime rate of 1,210 per 100,000 people. Only three cities, Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon, had higher crime rates. Even in real estate, the city experienced property crime rates of 3,955 out of 100,000 people. In 2013, Edmonton was ranked 84 in the Canada’s Crime Severity Index. The murder rate is even more shocking which is probably how the tag of ‘Murder Capital’ stuck to Edmonton. The city has a murder rate of 3.1 which is comparable to New York’s murder rate.
A Static Crime
Worse yet is that while other Canadian cities have experience a decrease in crime rate, Edmonton continues to have a high rate. The city recoded a crime rate of 6,743 incidents per 100,000 people, which is about the same as it was in the last few years. This is a stark contrast to Canada’s average crime rate of 5,190 incidents per 100,000 people, which dropped by 8% since last year. Plus, the national Crime Severity Index reduced to 68.7, which is a drop of 9%.
So why does Edmonton experience such high crime?
A theory floated by the Edmonton Police Department is that the city experiences a high rate of population fluctuation with people visiting the city for employment in search of good jobs and disposable income. This search for jobs possibly pushes some unemployed people to the criminal side.
On the bright side, the city did experience fewer ‘breaking and entering’s, but there was an increase of extortion, child pornography and child abuse, aggravated sexual assault and identity fraud.
With high crime rates in Edmonton, even you may have witnessed a crime. You should ask yourself how you can make your area and neighborhood safer. A security guard is certainly an option you should consider.
Someone who guards the Building
A security guard’s presence is enough to discourage criminals from trying anything. Keep one stationed outside your residential complex or your store.
Build up a Neighborhood Watch
Together with some willing members from the community, GPS Security and the Police Service, you can create a neighborhood watch. You can spot criminals in the night and report them to the police. The police then can immediately come on scene to apprehend the suspects. Don’t be surprised if the crime rate drops in your neighborhood because of it.
Get GPS Patrol
Another option would be to get GPS Patrol. You can have a GPS patrol guard drive about your neighborhood regularly to ensure no crime is in progress. You can even track them if you wish to know where they are.
The police are overwhelmed with the crime they have to deal with. Unless, you’re a vigilante, stay safe, hire some security guards and build an active community watch.
