Cass County Sheriff’s Corner: October was Crime Prevention Month – Pine and Lakes Echo Journal

WALKER – In 1984, the National Crime Prevention Council declared October as Crime Prevention Month.

Every year since then, government agencies, civic groups, schools, businesses and youth organizations have stepped up to educate the public about crime and crime prevention methods.

Crime prevention is any activity by an individual or group, whether public or private, aimed at eliminating crime before it occurs or before it gives rise to additional activity.

There are numerous ways to get involved in National Crime Prevention Month, not just in October but throughout the year.

• Get to know your neighbors: Introduce yourself to people around you, attend neighborhood events, and keep an eye out for anything unusual.

Know and understand what’s happening in your neighborhood and learn to see and hear things that are out of place or unusual.

• Make your home safer: Simple measures such as installing strong locks, using outdoor lighting and keeping valuables out of sight can deter crime.

We strongly recommend using a camera or camera systems on and around your property. There are dozens of options for these systems and they are now less expensive than before and easy to use.

• Support local organizations: Many community groups are dedicated to crime prevention through programs such as youth mentoring, community policing initiatives, and neighborhood watch programs. Get involved where you can.
• Be informed: Stay up to date on local crime statistics and crime prevention tips.

The National Crime Prevention Council is an excellent source of information and programs for nationwide trends and statistics.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office publishes an annual activity report in the first quarter of each year. Archived versions can be found on our website at www.casssheriff.com.

• Report suspicious activity: If you notice anything that seems inappropriate or potentially dangerous, do not hesitate to contact local authorities.

Even if it seems insignificant or tiny, it could be part of something bigger and it’s a good idea to document the incident or activity.

This helps us track similar activities, vehicles, etc. across areas and neighborhoods and is often important information when investigating and solving incidents and crimes.

• Increase awareness: One of the best ways to celebrate National Crime Prevention Month is to educate people, especially children and young adults, about the importance of working with law enforcement to fight crime.

You can conduct workshops that provide participants with insightful tips on internet safety, firearm safety, identifying counterfeit products, drug abuse prevention, and more.

• Organize a Neighborhood Watch: Work with local law enforcement and initiate a neighborhood watch. You and your close friends can take turns keeping watch in the neighborhood.

This can be an effective way to ensure safety in your neighborhood while building bonds and trust with your neighbors.

• Organize self-defense courses: You don’t have to become a professional fighter to protect yourself. Teaching basic self-defense techniques can do a lot to make people more confident.

Organizing self-defense classes for people of all ages will not only boost their confidence and improve their health, but also give them the opportunity to socialize, which is crucial for close proximity.

An informed and prepared, safer community is a stronger community. By working together, we can create safer spaces for ourselves and our families.

Think about how you can help keep your community safe and take action to make a difference.

Please contact our office if you are looking for assistance or have ideas about crime prevention or initiatives that could help you become safer and more informed.

If you have specific questions that you would like answered in this column or in person, you may contact me at any time using any of the following methods: email at [email protected]; Call 218-547-1424 or 1-800-450-2677; Email or visit the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, 303 Minnesota Ave. W, or PO Box 1119, Walker, MN 56484.

Bryan Welk is the sheriff of Cass County.