Robbery offenders are often found to be addicted or dependent on drugs and are committing these crimes to get money to buy drugs. They can be desperate and unpredictable. There are several things that citizens can do to prevent robberies and protect themselves:
- Pick safe routes to get to your destination
- At night, take routes that are well lit and have other people in the area
- If you’re using transit, stand or ride near others - do not isolate yourself
- Walk/run with others if possible
- If you’re carrying small personal electronics, like an iPod, conceal it under your clothes. These are targets for would-be thieves who can easily sell or exchange the device for drugs.
The Edmonton Police Service has put in place several changes to address this issue. We are working closely with the Crown and its attorneys to put a stop to violent crimes that victimize innocent citizens. Some changes include focusing on repeat offenders going through the court system, involving the community, increasing preventative police patrols and more detailed and enhanced crime analysis, which will help investigators in prosecuting the persons responsible.