Prince George RCMP : Rural Crime Watch

Rural Crime Watch encourages people in ranching, farming and rural communities to know their neighbours, be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police. The main purpose of a Rural Crime Watch is to prevent criminal behaviour including break and enter, theft of equipment, theft of grains, vandalism, dumping of garbage, poaching, cattle rustling, etc. and to improve the security measures in rural homes, outbuildings, vehicles and machinery.

A community that is organised and committed to crime prevention, may act as a deterrent to potential criminals who will be aware that Rural Watch is in place. Participants have a vested interest in their community, they share the common goal of safe homes, safe community. They become extra eyes and ears for local police, reporting suspicious activity and taking steps to secure their property.

Picture of a street sign at the corner of Pilot Mountain and Chief Lake Road

Goals of Rural Crime Watch

• Develop a greater sense of cooperation and responsibility between neighbours
• Encourage the reporting of crime or suspicious activity
• Increase communication between rural communities and the Police
• Reduce preventable crime
• Encourage the marking of property

Four elements of Rural Crime Watch

1. Home and building security

   Your home, vacation property, farm or ranch is a large investment and should be protected by a reasonable security program.

   • Secure Buildings
   • Protect Machinery
   • Protect Livestock
   • Regular check-ins on vacation properties

2. Property identification

   Keep an up to date log of all of your valuables, equipment or other property that might be attractive to a burglar.

3. Wilderness awareness

   While living, working and playing in the wild, participants keep an eye out for criminal or suspicious activity and safety concerns.

4. Neighbourhood watch

   • Know your neighbours
   • Look out for each other
   • Recognize and report suspicious activity
   • Learn and share crime prevention tips
   • Connect with local Police

Role of the members

• Report all unusual or suspicious vehicles or occurrences immediately to the RCMP or for emergencies: 911
• Respond to RCMP fan-out messages
• Make an inventory of your property and mark all your valuables with your Driver's License Number
• Display your Rural Crime Watch signs as soon as you receive them
• Attend any information meetings held in your area and take an active part in your community

Membership application  

To join or start a rural watch in your area, contact your local RCMP detachment. A general application will need to be completed. Captains and Co-Captains will be subject to a Criminal Record and local indices check at the local Detachment.

Click here for tips on preventing property crime in rural areas.

About the RCMP

The RCMP is Canada’s national police service, and in BC also acts as the police force of jurisdiction for many towns and cities. The RCMPP is committed to cultural sensitivity, and unbiased and respectful treatment of all people.

Contact us: 

• Emergency: 9-1-1 
• Non-Emergency: 250-561-3300 
• Website: princegeorge.rcmp.ca (English and French) 
• Report Wildfires: 1-800-663-5555 or *5555
• Report all Poachers and Polluters (RAPP): 1-877-952-7277 *7277