Tabitha Gallicano Asks:
Some have already answered this question on facebook. But here it is in case some missed it that might want to answer.
Property Crime and petty theft has increased in Kamloops over the last couple of years. We have initiated the Cap program on the North shore and have noticed an improvement with their presence. We have a great presence of RCMP as well as the re-emergence of neighbourhood block watches. There are further design and landscaping techniques we can utilize that also deters criminal behaviour. What are your thoughts on some provisions and/or steps within councils jurisdiction that could be implemented in order to reduce property and vehicle crime.
All of your suggestions are good, but the bottom line is we need to change our approach to our prolific drug addicted offenders. There has to be some accountability and as I see it now, we don't have any. This program was apparently used in 2006-07 with good success. I know a few RCMP wish we could go back to that. As a council we can direct the models of policing in our community. Time for a change.
Another item I would like to see is the use of permeable concrete for our city, including sidewalks and roadways. Many part of Kamloops have NO sidewalks. The excuse I have been given in the past by some city staff is that we have no storm sewer to direct the water runoff into with traditional sidewalks so we don't get them due to the costs of putting storm sewers. WRONG!!
Permeable concretet is now best practice for urban design because the water that falls on them goes right through the surface, thus permeable, and reduces or even eliminates the need for storm sewers. Barnhartvale, Dallas, Rayleigh, Heffley, Northshore, Brock, etc., all could get sidewalks. Other cities and communities use this material, we need to start. Let's train our city staff in this technology and start doing best practices. I've included a couple of links to some Youtube videos on this if you are interested.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcY8sfLDeYA (Canada locations)
Studies in planning/urban design have shown that property crime can decrease as much as 17% by simply adding sidewalks alone to a community. Sidewalks get people out walking more where they can meet their neighbours and after they meet their neighbour they often look out for each other more. It builds healthy communities. Plus more people out walking means more people looking at what it happening in their neighbourhoods and that means less opportunity for property and vehicle crime to occur.
There is so much more we can implement and benefit our community safety. Thank you for the question and please help get the vote out. Vocal majority not a vocal minority.