Residents say, “Enough!”

By Brandie Majeau

Residents near Smoky Lake and Thorhild County, particularly in the Newbrook

area, feel unsettled and frustrated due to a recent increase in rural break-ins and thefts.

They are criticizing the “catch-and-release” bail system, expressing concerns that

repeat offenders are being released too quickly with no real consequences. This

situation, locals feel, leads to a crime cycle that repeatedly targets the same areas.

Theft has become a major concern in these communities and is being discussed

everywhere, from coffee shops to the post office and grocery stores. As theft continues

to be a problem in these areas, local community members are urging each other to be

proactive and vigilant. They are not advocating for vigilante justice or personal

interference but asking everyone to come together and take preventive measures.

With thefts persisting and thieves targeting the same properties multiple times,

the community is uniting to encourage people to keep their yard lights on, lock their

gates, remove keys from motorized vehicles, and, most importantly, speak up. They are

also urging everyone to check on their neighbors and report any suspicious behavior.

The monetary loss from theft is significant, but the additional damage adds to the cost

and makes it even harder to cope. The ongoing cycle is exhausting, especially for

residents who have been victims of these crimes. As the problem persists, people feel

angry and overwhelmed and question their right to feel safe in their communities.

Simon Landhauser, a hobby farm owner, was recently targeted. The violation of

their safe haven left Landhauser feeling a sense of helplessness and his wife afraid.

Thieves targeted their property one night, and the Landhausers were alerted by their

security system. Upon contacting local law enforcement, they were disappointed that

they, driving from Edmonton, beat local law enforcement to the property. Adding to their

frustration, the thieves returned the following night but were deterred by an obstacle

placed in the driveway. Simon Landhauser was disheartened as he remarked, “They

didn’t leave much except underwear and socks. It was our happy place.”

For many, this is a familiar story, a feeling of helplessness and a feeling of being

unheard or supported by local law enforcement and politicians. There is an

understanding of police being stretched thin, but rural residents feel this is no longer an

excuse. They feel like nothing is happening. When discussing their loss, victims are

often met with the response of “at least it’s just stuff,” a comment referring to people

being safe as an outcome. While most agree, sometimes, stuff is not just stuff. It is

irreplaceable keepsakes, or worse, the irreplaceable feeling of safety. And for most, that

is what it comes down to, not the loss, not the increased cost of insurance, not the

frustration of feeling like they are unable to do more or are not fully informed…they just

want to feel safe.