The recent spate of break-ins and attempted break-ins in and around the Town of Bonnyville is concerning in itself, but even more concerning is learning from local RCMP that the majority of these crimes could have potentially been avoided.
Over the course of the past month, thieves have targeted local businesses such as Davey's Pharmasave, the Bonnyville Laundromat, Nelson Lumber and Home Hardware, with each site reporting hundreds, and in some cases thousands of dollars worth of damage and stolen property to RCMP.
On top of that, we've seen an alarming trend setting in around town with regards to thefts involving motor vehicles, so the question is just what is happening around here that is encouraging so many people to embark on a life of crime.
According to RCMP, the answer is simple – a lack of awareness, a lack of security and quite frankly, a lack of care.
Quite often, those people reporting break-ins to their vehicles or in some cases stolen vehicles readily admit to leaving their car or truck unlocked, with valuables out on display for whoever happens to be walking by.
There are businesses in town not making the most of the security measures they have in place.
It seems slightly odd that so many people around town can be so laissez-faire when it comes to protecting their belongings. We all have a responsibility to ensure we're doing our part to help our local police force. That means locking our car doors when we go home for the night and that means setting the alarm before we leave the office.
RCMP are busy enough without having to deal with incidents that, in their words, are easily avoided.
