'Be a good witness': RCMP discusses rural crime and new safety network

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During TechTourLIVE this year, the audience got a special treat when the tour stopped at Regina, Sask. RCMP Supt. Kevin Kunetzki was a featured guest at the event and on RealAg Radio to talk about rural crime and the new safety network program being piloted in southern Saskatchewan.

According to Kunetzki, there has been an increase in rural crime in the province over the past five years. “We have seen some increases in property crime in particular, and in other areas as well,” he says. “Over the past five years there’s been a 10 per cent increase to property crime, and that’s when it’s started to be a real item of discussion at the coffee shops and amongst senior management within the RCMP.”

He says according to their records, property crime peaked in 2016, and now they’re seeing a slow decline. Kunetzki added there are a variety of reasons for the decline in crime, but one that stands out is more awareness of the matter in the area.

The new Saskatchewan crime watch advisory network was unveiled recently and he says he hopes farmers and those who live in rural areas in the south take full advantage of the program.

Kunetzki says when dealing with any criminal matter, it varies how people react in the given moment. The difference between Mounties and the average Joe or Jane, is that they’re equipped with the tools and training to resolve the matter in safe way.

“By in large, the best way that we can all help (tackle crime) I think, is be a very good witness,” he says. “Memory recall by studies is not that great, until we become focused witnesses.”

He says every detail, should be written down as soon as you can. For example,grabbing the license plate, suspect description, and vehicle description and direction it heads helps the RCMP in its investigation.

Listen to the full interview between RealAg Radio host, Shaun Haney and RCMP Supt.Kevin Kunetzki below.

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