THE EDITOR: Over the past few weeks, we have seen crime and criminality reach a level to leave one to surmise that human life no longer has value. And this by a few miscreants in our society.
While government continues to support the protective services and implement programs in an effort to help curb crime, I want to share ways in which we the people can do our part in this fight.
Crime affects everyone, in some way or the other. According to an article by Saul Jaeger and Eric McClure there are lots of easy steps one can take from the personal level to help make your community a better and safer place.
By building a relationship with your neighbours and your local police, you can raise awareness and make it easier to enact change in your area. Just remember, you are not going to find success if you go out trying to fight crime yourself. The goal here is to build your community up, to make it less welcoming for criminals.
The goal is not to confront strangers or call the police every time you see something vaguely suspicious. The stronger your community is, the safer it will be. Introduce yourself to the people on your block, hang out and wave to folks as they walk by, if you can, chat it up with the people in your neighbourhood.
Not only will it be easier to start programs and spot suspicious people in your neighbourhood, if you know everyone, but it will be a huge deterrent to criminals if they realise there is unity of purpose in your neighbourhood.
Attend outreach programs organised by your local police. Say hello to officers and introduce yourself when you run into them. Do not hesitate to report crimes or provide information to the police. In most cases, people have crucial information that can lead to crime prevention.
If your community looks disorganised and unkempt, if people keep to themselves and "mind their business," this may attract crime. Criminals are more likely to assume they can get away with something if it looks like people don’t care about the neighbourhood.
Host a block clean-up event where neighbours get together and clean up litter.
Install security cameras around your homes.
The government has implemented tax exemptions on security cameras and devices in order to make it more affordable to citizens. It may sound far-fetched, but nature puts the mind at ease. Well-maintained green spaces aren’t a deterrent on their own, but they have a naturally calming effect that may lower crime.
You could turn a vacant lot into a community garden to bring folks into your area together, or get to work on your home garden. You could also host an event at your local park to get rid of litter and plant something new. The best way to reduce crime is to prevent it.
Unfortunately, younger people tend to commit more crime. Giving youths in your area more things to do is a great way to help them stay on the right track. Call your local boys and girls club and ask if they need volunteers, or reach out to a local non-profit and cut them a cheque.
By supporting local community organisatio
