BY: Erin Fawcett

Red Deer Express

A new crime prevention community has been developed online in hopes of addressing issues that affect people’s lives, communities and businesses all over the world. Director of SeCure Consulting Solutions Steve Woolrich recently launched the new site at www.targetcrime.ca

“This is a project that I’ve wanted to do for a long time but I’ve never had the opportunity,” said Woolrich. He added his goal is to have people sharing information and resources about crime prevention and security. “The best way of doing that now online is creating a blog and that’s what we’ve done,” said Woolrich.

Natalie Turner, formerly the Graffiti Program Coordinator with the Downtown Business Association will help Woolrich with the blog. “Rounding out my final year of university studying criminology and sociology, I am excited to be part of this organization,” she said.  ”Having worked closely with Steve already this summer I look forward to volunteering as Research and Statisitical Analyst.”  Ron Taylor, owner of Protec Security has also volunteered to write for the site.  There will be other contributors as well who will provide regular features on the site.

“This is what is cool about it – ‘Joe Citizen’ who has a concern about crime prevention in his neighborhood could write. It could be a business owner who has concerns or somebody halfway across the world that could have ideas on how we can combat our crime issues,” said Woolrich. “That’s the beauty of it – it’s collective thought on various issues.”

He added he hopes this website generates a lot of discussion on different aspects of crime prevention and security.  For more information check out www.targetcrime.ca

Filed under Community Crime Prevention, News

I suppose we all have our favorite Christmas songs but for me this one never grows old.  As we quickly approach the holiday season let’s remember the less fortunate and all those that serve to protect us each and every day.

So here’s my lifelong wish
My grown up Christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
Everyone would have a friend
That right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up Christmas list

Merry Christmas To All

Filed under Odds & Ends

By: Steve Woolrich

In today’s Globe and Mail, writer Keith Bradsher addressed the security challenges that face us globally. More specifically, he writes about the recent attacks in Mumbai and the various hotel chains trying to address these types of crimes.  ”For decades, luxury hotels have been oases for travelers in developing countries, places to mingle with the local elite, enjoy a lavish meal or a dip in the pool and sleep in clean safe rooms,” he writes. 

Its difficult not to think about terrorism as it makes the headline newscasts or newspapers around the world. In some cases, we watch it live as it unfolds on CNN or over the Internet.  As the war on terrorism continues many of us are asking ourselves where we are safe anymore.  In today’s age, traveling seems risky at the best of times and security experts agree that there is no system that is foolproof.  As the article points out, most luxury hotel chains have security protocols and are constantly fine-tuning them to meet the the risks they face.  As a security professional myself, I wonder what the other hotels are doing and specifically what Canadian hotel chains are doing.  If there is one thing I’ve learned during the past 25 years its that I prefer to be proactive rather than reactive!

At any rate, the article titled ” We might see cleaning ladies with explosive detectors” is well-written and I’m sure that everyone in the industry will be taking a close look at their security programs and procedures as a result of this criminal act.  We can only hope that things improve!

Filed under Business Crime & Asset Protection, News

By: Steve Woolrich

If there is one thing that will serve everyone’s best interest in various crime prevention circles, it’s sharing information among professionals. The ICA already realizes the importance of working together and they have been doing it for years. This past October the organization held its International conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. For those CPTED practitioners such as myself it was “time well spent” and a great opportunity for networking.

Opportunities such as this are rare and you realize your not alone, there are others who are willing to share their expertise, partner and help make a difference. This year, numerous professionals from around the world gathered to share their knowledge.  Presenters from South Africa, Australia, Mexico, Chile, Europe and Canada gathered while making themselves accessible to all participants over the three days. Do I view these professionals as competition within my industry?  Absolutely not, I embrace them as colleagues that would be willing to assist me or anyone else that supports a community-based crime prevention philosophy.

To find out more visit the ICA at www.cpted.net

Filed under Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, Portals for Discovery