Lacombe Community Watch Association President Debbi Gallant says relationships are key to creating safe neighborhoods and the organization offers three programs where people can meet others with that shared vision: Block Parent, Citizens on Patrol and Neighborhood Watch.

“Programs like this are amazing (opportunities) to build those relationships and communities,” Gallant says.

“The signups for Neighbourhood Watch are just exponential right now. We’ve got meetings all the time. Neighborhoods are paying attention more and that’s one of the best things that creates community awareness and safety in the community.”

Gallant was one of a handful of members from the Community Watch serving hotdogs in front of Sobeys yesterday, for a barbecue in observance of Crime Prevention Week in the province.

The Community Watch partners with law enforcement, acting as the “eyes and ears” of Lacombe Police, Gallant says.

That relationship has been integral, says Constable Vaughan Bleasdale.

“We’re really relying on the public to help us with identifying things going on that we don’t necessarily see from patrol cars,” Bleasdale says.

He adds that Lacombe, like much of Central Alberta, has seen a higher incidence of property crimes lately. He urges residents to lock their vehicles and homes.

To get involved in any of these programs, send an email to lacombecommunitywatch@gmail.com.

(Scott Rhodes from the Lacombe Community Watch Association grilling hotdogs for barbecue on May 18.)