Increased police presence at Edmonton transit stations as officers stress passenger safety

There will be an increased police presence at a number of Edmonton Transit stations this week.

As part of its ongoing initiative to reduce violence in our city, the Edmonton Police Community Action Team (CAT) will be educating students and young adults about personal safety and crime prevention. Officers will be focusing on keeping transit riders and their belongings safe.

“It’s as simple as locking your car, putting your valuables out of sight and being cognizant of the environment around you,” explained Deputy Chief Brian Simpson with Edmonton Police Service.

He says the initiative will also involve educating riders on the steps they can take to keep themselves safe.

“When you’re getting out of your vehicle, take a look around, see if there’s someone there that’s causing you concern, make a phone call, pass that information on to police, pass it on to transit authorities,” added Simpson.

The majority of crimes that happen at transit stations involve vehicle break-ins or theft of personal items such as cell phones or iPods. Edmonton Transit System has a group of 75 peace officers that patrol the system on a 24/7 basis however, officials say some riders still aren’t getting the message.

“They’re really not aware of what’s going on around them. They may not be aware that you know, somebody is sort of, looking at that device and looking at them and thinking maybe there’s an opportunity here,” explained Ron Gabruck, Director of Operations Support with ETS.

The message is one many transit riders aren’t taking lightly.

“I kind of keep in the light all the time. I kind of keep out of dark areas and out of alleys,” said Warren Thompson, an ETS rider.

“I hide all my stuff in my pockets, try not to show anything, try not to show my wallet,” said Lawrence Dy adding, “The best you can do is be surrounded be a lot of people, I guess.”

Officers don’t want to alarm passengers, they say Edmonton transit is safe. Officers just want to make sure riders are aware of their surroundings.
With files from Ross Neitz.

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