Archive for the 'News' Category
Alberta Crime Prevention Week
Begins this Sunday, May 10th through May 16th and is an important event for all Albertans throughout our province. Various events will be held that help raise awareness of important issues surrounding the subject of crime prevention. We can all play a role in reducing crime and actively engaging others to help!
As an active Crime Prevention Practitioner myself, I’m constantly reminded that some of the most important work being done is by community members and volunteers. In my experience this ranges from our youth to seniors and also includes various corporations and non-profit organizations that are doing their part to increase awareness and public safety in the communities they serve. All it takes is a willingness to try and make a difference and the impact can be significant.
There are many Crime Prevention programs and initiatives underway in both our province and throughout our country. Funding opportunities are also available by tapping into various crime prevention grants that support the prevention of crime in our communities. For further information visit the Government of Alberta – Solicitor General & Public Security or contact your local Police Service for more information on how you can get involved in preventing crime in your community.
It’s important to recognize that as individuals we all possess unique characteristics and abilities. This allows for endless opportunities to share our ideas and help create new innovative solutions that may address some of society’s most pressing issues relating to crime. We live in challenging times and are currently facing tuff economic conditions. However, it’s important to recognize our potential and adopt an attitude of persistence that is sustained through hope and optimism. You are important and you can make a difference!
2 commentsTaking it to the Streets
There is no doubt that activity on our streets creates a vibrant community atmosphere while promoting health and wellness. ReThink Red Deer is collaborating with other organizations and businesses in the city to plan a series of activities this summer. The pilot project called “Summer Active Streets” is A Community Active Transportation Celebration that everyone can enjoy.
The intent is to increase awareness of the health, social and environmental benefits of reducing our use of private vehicles in favor of other modes of transportation – either self-propelled or multiple rider (car pools, transit).
Activities kick off with a “Street Films” video and discussion on Monday, April 27th at the Red Deer College – Margaret Parsons Theatre from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. ReThink Red Deer will also collaborate with The City of Red Deer in promoting a “Bike to Work Breakfast” on Thursday, May 21st.
The emphasis is on fun events that have positive spin-offs in terms of personal health, environmental health and community spirit – events that encourage people to walk, bike, take transit, car pool, skateboard or find alternate ways to get around the city.
2 commentsCrime Website Launched
BY: Erin Fawcett
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
No commentsSecurity vs. Terrorism
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!
No commentsWE are smarter than ME
By: Steve Woolrich
What more can I say about this book and this “movement” … lots! It’s one of the most interesting books I’ve read in years. In fact, it was the catalyst for this website/blog. When you or anybody thinks about crime your first thoughts should be about PREVENTION. How can we improve crime prevention and gather information on best practices throughout the world? Recruit “the crowd”, now that’s smart!
In their book titled “WE are smarter than ME”, the first opening page states “In a time where community and social networks are starting to infiltrate every aspect of our personal and professional lives, WE decided to test the notion that a book of business best practices could be written by “the crowd”, and we are excited to have participated in this groundbreaking experience.” Join the community!
No commentsProtecting Assets has Costs
By: Steve Woolrich
I recently spoke to the Red Deer Executive Leads Association on the subject of business crime. This group of business savvy professionals has grown to approximately 55 members since it was founded in 1991. They bring together a group of people who are representative of the best business and professional interests in Red Deer.
I attempted to point out to those in attendance that their businesses are likely experiencing various types of losses and that a “proactive” approach to addressing these issues should be a priority at all times. They were receptive and certainly had questions regarding business crime and protecting their assets.
Read “Protecting Assets has Costs”
No commentsBusiness Security
By: Erin Fawcett
Red Deer Express
June 4, 2008
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
A new security company that caters to the business community has opened up shop in Red Deer. SeCure Consulting Solutions Inc., owned and operated by Steve Woolrich, concentrates on reducing a businesses risk and protecting their assets. ”This is a full solution for businesses to consider when it comes to security,” said Woolrich, who launched the company in February. ”It will be a multi-layered approach to loss prevention and corporate security.”
Woolrich added his security company can help businesses of all kinds whether it is oil and gas, the transportation sector or the retail outlets, among others. ”Security is an issue for every business,” he said. “It’s just whether they want to address it or sweep it under the rug.”
Woolrich, who has worked in the security industry since 1983, added for the past few years companies have been focusing more on safety rather than security. ”There needs to be kind of shift back to middle ground where they can find that balance between safety and security,” said Woolrich. “Especially, in oil and gas – they are almost out of balance because their security issues aren’t being addressed.”
Woolrich said when a business first contacts him he first does a risk assessment of the company, which allows a business to understand where their weak points are. ”Ideally, I believe every business should be using the CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) model, said Woolrich. ”The City of Red Deer and the Downtown Business Association are getting very proactive in that area.”
SOLID PROTECTION - Steve Woolrich, owner of SeCure Consulting Solutions Inc., is reflected in the window of his vehicle recently. Chad Hipolito/Red Deer Express
After the risk assessment is complete, Woolrich, along with the business, will come up with an action plan. “That’s going to be based on a business budget,” he said. ”We’re not asking a business to do anything they can’t afford or anything that’s too extreme for them – but at least then they’ll have a starting point.”
Woolrich added with any successful security initiative a business has to have a foundation and then start building from there. ”I just hope to be able to address all of their security issues,” said Woolrich. ”It’s about reducing losses.”
3 comments