Photo supplied
Due to the recent influx in rural crime, a Rural Crime Town Hall meeting has been scheduled to take place at the Mannville Recreation center on Oct 25 from 7 – 9 p.m. The Town Hall meeting is in response to calls that Vermilion -Lloydminster MLA, Dr. Richard Starke has received from concerned constituents regarding rural crime and is co-hosted by the Mannville Agricultural Society.
“As I serve and represent the people of Vermilion-Lloydminster, criminal activity has been the number one concern expressed to me, especially during the past two years. Constituents are concerned with the frequency and increasingly violent nature of the criminal activity. I have heard accounts of crimes committed brazenly in broad daylight, by perpetrators that have threatened violence when confronted,” said MLA, Dr. Richard Starke.
The purpose of the meeting is to focus attention on the issue of rural crime, discuss responses and to suggest solutions. Speakers on behalf of the Vermilion RCMP, Chief Crown Prosecutor of St. Paul District, Battle River Victim Assistance Society and the Kitscoty Rural Crime watch will be in attendance with Dr. Starke moderating the meeting.
“I will be moderating the event but also speaking to the specific concerns expressed. My priority will be to listen to my constituents so that I can effectively carry their concerns forward in the Alberta Legislature,” said Starke.
Starke also went on to say that “It is critical to give people, who are very concerned about their safety and security, assurance that their concerns are being heard. The objective of having this meeting is to hear the concerns of citizens and seek potential solutions that we can work together to employ. In my role as the MLA, I want to bring forward the specific concerns expressed by constituents to the government Ministers responsible. It is also vitally important that they have an opportunity to hear from law enforcement and prosecution officials about what is being done to address the issue at those levels.”
Public Awareness and forms of help available are one of the main keys in battling rural crime, and Starke believes awareness of such crimes is not an issue.
“Everyone I speak with knows what is going on and there is a great deal of interest in coming up with effective solutions. We will have Battle River Victim Services and Kitscoty Crime Watch in attendance to provide information on the services they can provide,” added Starke. “Many volunteer efforts, such a Crime Watch, are already in place. Other groups of citizens have banded together with neighbours to watch out for suspicious activity as well.”
For more information on the upcoming Town Hall meeting, you can contact Dr. Richard Starke MLA, Vermilion Constituency Office 780-853-4204 or the Lloydminster Constituency office at 780-875-0467.