Reduced crime in North Queens

To many rural Nova Scotians security is not an issue on the forefront of their worries but the Greenfield community knows better and has taken active steps to change and area once fraught with break-ins by providing a watchful eye.

According to program leader Vince St. John, the Greenfield Citizen’s on Patrol are the second largest in the province with 24 members strong, 145 patrols on a yearly basis for a total of 1,232 man hours for 2007.

The group formed just over 10 years ago after the community suffered a massive crime spree of break-ins of 42 cottages and homes.

“There is no detachment nearby and it would take 35 minutes at the best of times for help to arrive,” said St. John.

The group has become the ears and eyes of the RCMP in an attempt to control the break-ins they were experiencing.

According to a recent release the group has been very successful.

Greenfield and area Citizens on Patrol has a direct impact in reducing property crime in the area, the report stated.

The report stated the number of break and enters were down from 37 to 11 in 2007.

The group covers 400 square miles.

They report suspicious activity to the police through cell phones and a police radio.

Members are required to participate in at least one patrol per month, attend regular meetings and special training sessions as scheduled plus abide by the rules and regulations of the COP.