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.
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