Cochrane RCMP and Cochrane's Citizens On Patrol (COP) are partnering together to bring awareness to the Cochrane Community.

Working together to educate the public, a 'crime prevention strategy' has been created in hopes that fewer residents will fall victim to opportunistic criminals.

RCMP Constable Kary Moore, shares they are hoping the message is found to be proactive and preventative by community members. "We are patrolling as many subdivisions as we can throughout the day and night and while we're patrolling if any vehicles are observed to be unsecured or as they're walking if they see any items of value left in sight they'll try to contact the registered owner or leave placard cards and get you to remove said items or secure your vehicle. If we do find a vehicle insecure we will be placing a placard inside the vehicle and locking the doors and doing our best to prevent theft from motor vehicles."

Cst. Moore says she believes Cochrane is the only community hosting an initiative like this, though it has been done in other communities. "I know Airdrie did it may be a year or two ago."

The increased number of thefts has prompted the idea, and Moore, states they are doing their best to get a handle on the problem but are hoping the community helps too. "It's a proactive approach rather than us just reacting to it and then not catching anyone responsible. We are doing everything we can to help to prevent future thefts."

The Cochrane RCMP is committed to interrupting and reducing theft from motor vehicles and will employ a number of prevention and enforcement tactics in order to meet their goal.