We want to hear your stories on crime in the city

By Lethbridge Herald on April 19, 2023.

OUR OPINION

They’ve infiltrated neighbourhoods across our city and in so many other communities across our country, making life miserable for honest, hard-working Canadians and their families.

Their insidious behaviour is the reason for car prowlings and break-ins that have impacted so many. They prey on the vulnerable and the desperate with not one bit of guilt about the harm they’re inflicting upon them.

Yes, we’re talking about drug dealers. Whether criminal gangs or independents hoping to make quick easy cash, dealers are infesting our communities. They’re setting up shop in houses and apartment complexes in areas where they feel they won’t be under the scrutiny of police. Downtown cores aren’t their only domains, they’re in residential neighbourhoods everywhere. As you read this, you may have a drug operation next door or down the block and not even realize it. 

But many of us know where they live and operate from because we deal with the consequences of their behaviours. When strange vehicles park near alleys or randomly in front of houses for hours on end in the middle of the night as passengers sneak down the street to a neighbouring residence, it’s obvious they aren’t just on a social call or delivering pizza.

And why does anyone drive slowly through alleys instead of on the streets day or night? Why are people riding bicycles or walking through alleys at night carrying heavy backpacks? Let’s get real – we know what’s going on. Drug dealers are trying to avoid being noticed by police and curious neighbours. 

Some people – but not nearly enough – are courageous enough to report these goings-on to police or the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs which deals with problem properties including those where drug trafficking is being conducted.

SCAN has a toll-free number  1-866-960-SCAN for people to call confidentially if they have concerns about a residence. The alberta.ca website also has a form concerned citizens can fill out to report such activity.

SCAN, with the assistance of local police, have shut down many homes in our province including Lethbridge where drug dealing and other matters have caused considerable grief to neighbourhoods.

One home in North Lethbridge was infamously shut down twice in the period of one year, a story that made headlines in local media.

It seems everyone has a story about a drug house on their block. We want to hear those stories, we want to hear your frustrations, your anger, your fears. We want to make your stories public in hopes that those supposedly in charge of justice in our country will listen and take serious steps to make our communities safer again. 

We know some will be afraid to speak publicly – after all, nobody wants to face retribution from a criminal. It’s why some people never make those calls to police or SCAN, even though with anonymity they are safe.

But the voices of law-abiding, frustrated citizens need to be heard. Contact us if you’re willing to tell your story.  You can reach our managing editor Al Beeber at editor@lethbridgeherald.com or abeeber@lethbridgeherald.com. Or call 403-388-1153.

We can’t let criminals take over our communities. If we speak out and stand united in our disgust with the crime in our community, maybe we can make a difference. At least we can be heard by those who have the power to make the changes that are needed to take our country back from the drug dealers. And make our communities safe again for everyone.