Residents of Hay River have been dealing with a spike in crime recently SA国际影视传媒� so much so that community members have banded together to form a neighbourhood watch, aimed at disrupting the local drug trade and preventing break-ins.
During a Feb. 4 territorial address, Premier R.J. Simpson, who represents Hay River as an MLA, touched on the toll that addiction and drug-related crime is taking on the NWT.
Afterwards, SA国际影视传媒 asked the premier if he had a message for residents of communities like Hay River SA国际影视传媒� his hometown SA国际影视传媒� where drug-related crime is an increasing source of unease. There were 84 break-ins reported in the community in 2024.
SA国际影视传媒淚t is a serious issue, and itSA国际影视传媒檚 devastated a number of communities," Simpson said. "This is a situation where everybody really does need to step up and do their part [whether] that means providing information to the or being willing to testify.
SA国际影视传媒淪ome people need to just stop buying drugs," he added. "People have addiction issues, and itSA国际影视传媒檚 easy to say, SA国际影视传媒楯ust stop doing drugs.SA国际影视传媒� When you have issues, itSA国际影视传媒檚 tough. But then thereSA国际影视传媒檚 other people who are recreational drug users who are putting money into the pockets of these drug dealers and enticing them to come back North and take advantage of those individuals who do have addiction issues and who are vulnerable. My message is we all have to do our part. We are all responsible to address this issue."
SA国际影视传媒 also contacted the for comment on Hay River's neighbourhood watch, and similar organizations in other communities. Spokesperson Const. Josh Seaward stated that the best way for any such group to help is to report any suspicious activity they observe and share any notable information they obtain with the police. This means contacting the local precinct directly, as social media channels SA国际影视传媒� specifically community watch groups SA国际影视传媒� are not monitored.
"Information must be shared directly with police for it to be effective and useful," he said.
"Building further on this, the effectiveness of such a group can be largely dependent on how well its members know their town or neighbourhood. Being active in the community leads to more and stronger social relationships, more awareness of who your neighbours are, what vehicles they drive, et cetera, and can sharpen one's awareness as to what activities might be suspicious or out of place in the area."
Seaward emphasized that any activity that could be perceived as vigilantism is "obviously discouraged," as such actions that "could place members of the group at risk either physically or legally, and damage their credibility, both in court or with police."
However, the spokesperson called collaboration between neighbourhood watch groups and police "a positive step."
"In some large cities, watch groups are sizable and conduct regular meetings with police officers," he said. "Activities such as these could be beneficial and educational for both parties."
