People concerned with vandalism have begun to make moves to protect themselves.
While police statistics have not shown any remarkable increases in property crime in Flin Flon, an increased awareness of crimes has led people to take precautions, fearing that they may be victims of property crime.
Sinclair James, chairman for Flin Flon’s Citizens on Patrol Program, said firefighters recently had to put out a late night fire in his neighbourhood on Aug. 11. An unknown assailant was caught on a nearby security camera lighting a garbage fire. Fire personnel reached scene quickly and extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported.
A perceived increase in vandalism and property crime has led some Flin Flon residents to take action. James has said that COPP has seen an increase in volunteers in the past six months, with people interested in finding out what they can do to keep their property secure.
“There are steps that people can take, and I see and hear that people are actually taking steps to protect themselves,” he said.
James has a few tips for people who feel they may be at risk of property crimes. The most important thing, he said, was for people to be observant of their surroundings and neighbourhoods and, if they suspect a criminal incident has happened or is in progress, to call police.
“If you suspect there is somebody in your garage or something, call the police. Don’t go out there yourself,” said James.
“Don’t confront the person. If you think someone is trying to get inside, call the police. Don’t open the door and shout at them. You’re putting yourself in a situation where you can be in danger. Don’t approach, don’t put yourself at conflict with that person.”
Above all, James cautioned against people taking matters into their own hands when encountering suspected intruders.
“In small situations, I’ve heard that people have taken their own physical action,” he said.
“I just don’t want anybody taking physical action. Even with Citizens on Patrol, we observe and call. That’s what we do. We don’t get out there and beat somebody down to the ground because they’re trying to break into a garage or break the law. We make notes and call the police.”
Other suggestions, such as installing lights and cameras, can be effective, but are also expensive and can be sabotaged.
James has set up security cameras at his home, stating he did so five years ago after another rash of vandalism. However, the vandals struck again, in a way where the cameras could not assist.
“I put them up because I was tired of people going through my yard. When I purchased them originally, kids had been going through my yard,” he said.
“I had someone one time put burnt logs on my yard. They’d been extinguished and put in a spot where my cameras didn’t pick up who it was.”
One simple way to spot or scare away potential goons, he said, is a simple one – listening to man’s best friend.
“I say to everybody, if you have a dog and it barks, look out your window. You’re going to get up anyway. Find out what’s going on - that dog is barking at something,” he said.
