Rachel Notley grew up north of Peace River, far from the national spotlight and where most people don’t lock their doors.

So when Albertans in rural communities reported a spike in property crime seen across the Prairies, Notley knew something had to be done. It had to be effective and practical. And it had to put the eyes and ears of communities to good use.

“Every Albertan deserves to feel safe in their own home,” Notley said. “We’re listening to families and communities, and we’re talking to law enforcement about how to fight back.”

Alberta’s seven-point strategy working

Notley’s seven-point Rural Crime Strategy tackles rural crime, increasing patrols in hotspots while ensuring victims have better supports.

Developed in partnership with the RCMP, the plan puts more boots on the ground. RCMP have more members targeting harder-hit areas, while civilian staff analyze cases and ensure officers aren’t tied up with paperwork. Crown prosecutors were added to ensure repeat offenders were behind bars, not simply turned out.

The plan is working. Rural crime has dropped every month so far.

In December, property crimes were down 16 per cent from the same time last year. Nearly 500 fewer homes were broken into, with 3,500 fewer thefts and 1,200 fewer stolen vehicles.

A new initiative announced by the RCMP -- Project Lock Up -- builds on these successes by increasing patrols in high crime areas, targeted arrests, follow-ups with repeat victims and new tools to help track property.

The province is also making sure RCMP have all relevant information needed from ALERT -- Alberta’s multi-agency crime fighting organization -- and the province’s 350 front-line officers working as Alberta Sheriffs, Fish and Wildlife officers, and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement units.

UCP voted against boots on the ground

Having grown up in rural Alberta, Notley knows how bewildering it feels to see an increase in crime. Fewer doors might be left unlocked, but she’s glad to see more eyes looking out.

With a tough election fight on the horizon, it’s not certain what Jason Kenney would do to fight rural crime. While Kenney and the UCP have talked a lot about rural crime, they’ve repeatedly voted against adding more officers, prosecutors and civilian staff to fight it.

Notley is clear: it’s going to take a thoughtful plan keep Alberta families safe.

The UCP has also promised spending cuts and freezes across government and tax cuts for the richest Albertans. It’s unclear how policing would fit in with these expensive promises. The UCP have also suggested drastic measures that would undo progress, like replacing the RCMP with a provincial police force.

“Simply getting angry won’t solve anything,” Notley said. “We need practical solutions to keep Albertans safe. And we need to get there together.”