Community involvement helps reduce crime
Shane Buckingham
Published on
May 09, 2008
Crime can never be fully eliminated, but it can be reduced through community involvement.
That's where the Grimsby Community Policing Committee works hard to assist Niagara Regional Police to make sure it remains that way, said Karl Thorp the group's chairman.
"There's always going to be crime wherever you are. What matters is how you go about reducing crime," the 37-year-old special constable at Brock University said.
The committee aids the police by monitoring speeding on residential roads through its Speed Watch program.
It's difficult to have police officers patrolling all streets in the community because of limited number of staff they have for the area, Thorp said.
Through the committee's assistance, the police can identify areas of concern more easily, he said, adding they also have more time for other priorities.
"It's invaluable to give officers that time because it can be used for their other duties."
The committee was instrumental in getting a skateboarding park and graffiti boards on Clarke Street.
By giving young people a spot to skateboard and spray paint, he said, it has reduced skateboarding on private and public property and vandalism.
Other towns in the region have adopted graffiti boards after seeing Grimsby's success with them, said Thorp who started on the committee in the fall of 2000.
The group provides other services, such as, the wandering registry for Alzheimer patients and others at risk of becoming lost, and town events that emphasize safety, such as, Grimsby Community Safety Fun Fest Day on May 31. Committee members, in cooperation with Niagara Regional Public Health department, also assist local seniors with daily activities and chores.
He extends a welcome to anyone who would like to volunteer or join the committee to enhance its services.
"Anybody, young and old, who wants to help out that can bring in new ideas and new solutions to current problems and areas of concern can work with the committee."
At a Monday night council meeting, Ald. John Cruickshank answered the call and joined the group after a presentation made by Thorp.
Founded in 1997, the eight-member committee is made up of people of all different careers and ages.
The group meets at the Grimsby Fire Hall on the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m.
Thorp assures any one who is interested that it is worthwhile experience.
"It gives me a sense of pride that I'm able to do something to make it safer for the citizens."