Saskatoon businesses urge police to step up patrols to protect property

CBC
·2 min read
Police tape secures a crime scene in Saskatoon on Avenue R South where a man's body was found in Sept. 2023. (Dan Zakreski/CBC - image credit)
Police tape secures a crime scene in Saskatoon on Avenue R South where a man's body was found in Sept. 2023. (Dan Zakreski/CBC - image credit)

Saskatoon businesses want more police patrols to combat property crimes, a lobby group says in a letter to the local Board of Police Commissioners.

The North Saskatoon Business Association (NSBA) recently surveyed its members in response to increasing complaints about property crimes. More than 80 per cent of members who responded say they are seeing more crime, especially downtown and in the north-end, according to the letter signed by association executive director Keith Moen.

"The NSBA recognizes the efforts being made tackling root causes, such as homelessness and addiction, but those are long-term and complex challenges, and we firmly believe that immediate actions are necessary to address the pressing issues businesses are facing," the letter states.

A new SPS report shows property crime reports declined 11.8 per cent to 3,725 incidents in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 4,224 incidents reported in same period last year. Reports of break and enters at non-residential properties dropped 51 per cent, to 155 incidents this year from 317 last year. Graffiti incidents dropped 53.6 per cent, while mischief/wilful damage incidents dropped 14.2 per cent to 585 from 682.

The trend for violent crime isn't as hopeful, with a nearly double-digit increase in reported incidents.

Police recorded 1,091 violent crimes from Jan. 1 to March 31 this year, up 9.6 per cent from 995 incidents in the same period last year. Assaults were up 7.6 per cent to 639 incidents, robberies increased 13.8 per cent to 107 incidents, while criminal harassment (also known as stalking) increased 50 per cent, to 56 incidents from 37.

Keith Moen showed up to a previous committee meeting where he opposed the Avenue C plan.
Keith Moen showed up to a previous committee meeting where he opposed the Avenue C plan.

Keith Moen speaking at a previous city committee meeting. The NSBA executive director says business owners want more police patrols. (Liam O'Connor/CBC)

Vandalism and break-ins are business owners' top two concerns, according to the survey. The NSBA made recommendations to the police board, including more police patrols in the downtown core and north end.

"Increased patrols during after-work hours, when most crimes occur, would significantly deter criminal activities," the letter states.

The city scheduled a news event for 2:30 p.m. CST Monday to "discuss a co-ordinated response to community safety and well-being," according to a new release. Mayor Charlie Clark, newly minted police Chief Cameron McBride and acting fire Chief Pamela Goulden-McLeod are expected to speak. The news event is not a response to the letter, but will address similar issues.

The NSBA is also calling for a property damage relief program, which would compensate businesses for damage caused by vandalism, and a police liaison for each business district. The group also wants police to encourage businesses to report crimes so police can identify and target problem areas.

"Many businesses have ceased reporting crimes due to cumbersome reporting processes and perceived lack of outcomes," the letter states.