Plans are in place to hold a meeting to discuss organization of a Neighbourhood Watch in the city.
The date for that proposed public meeting is Sept. 30 in the evening at the Don Ross Centre. That was confirmed late Monday afternoon and announced at the Monday night city council meeting in North Battleford.
The meeting has been set for 7 p.m. It is open to the public and all residents are encouraged to attend.
Mayor Ian Hamilton says that meeting would not only discuss re-establishing Neighbourhood Watch in North Battleford, but also possibly reviving Citizens On Patrol efforts as well.
The plan is for the meeting to be informational, with Neighbourhood Watch being the principle presentation.
"Neighbourhood Watch is certainly something the RCMP is encouraging us to roll out to the community as one way to become much more aware of our surroundings," said Hamilton.
Citizens On Patrol has been in existence in the community for some time, but Hamilton said that organization "could use a boost in membership."
As well, Hamilton said the RCMP is working on best practices for people to follow, such as to "lock our car doors, motion-sensored lights for the outdoors, those sorts of things to deter crimes of opportunity."
He said the RCMP have a long list of items that could "mitigate the risk of being a victim."
It's expected information about how people can reduce the risk of crimes would be part of that meeting. Information on other agencies at work in the community, such as the Boys and Girls Club or Concern for Youth, may also be provided, though representatives of some of them might not necessarily be in attendance.
The mayor stressed the importance of assuring residents that the crime issue is being addressed.
"We do recognize these situations are present in our communities," said Hamilton.
