Hundreds participate in Neighbourhood Engagement Presentations

Bill Fordy speaking at the Fleetwood Neighbourhood Engagement Presentation.
Bill Fordy speaking at the Fleetwood Neighbourhood Engagement Presentation.

SINCE January 19 the Surrey RCMP has held five Neighbourhood Engagement Presentations as part of a new Neighbourhood Safety Campaign. One event was held in each of the city’s five distinct communities with over 500 residents attending in total to find out what they can do to enhance the safety of their neighbourhood.

“I am very pleased to see citizens taking such a keen interest in building strong, safe, connected communities,” says Officer-in-Charge Chief Superintendent Bill Fordy. “The residents I met at these events have expressed a desire to be more involved in crime prevention and to work with both police and their neighbours more closely. It’s been very encouraging.”

During the presentations, local crime issues are discussed, prevention strategies presented, and residents given information on how they can play a role in crime prevention, including:

* Observe it. Report it. – Report crime and suspicious activity

* Join or start a Block Watch

* Get informed – utilize the crime mapping feature in COSMOS

* Volunteer at your RCMP District Office or as an Auxiliary Constable

The feedback from attendees has been very positive with 83% finding the presentation useful.

“Thank you for putting this on,” said one Fleetwood resident. “I agree it is important to not just expect safety to come from police but for us to take part in making our community feel safer.”

As many as 151 attendees also expressed an interest in joining or starting a Block Watch.

“When we as neighbours understand more fully what is happening around us, we will get more involved and we will work as a team,” said a Newton resident. “Thank you for brining and initiating community involvement.”

The Surrey RCMP has committed to hosting 15 Neighbourhood Engagement Presentations this year. The dates and locations of the next five events will be announced in April.