In this 2017 file photo, a known drug house in Medicine Hat is shown after being shut down by a Community Safety Order. Police urge the public to report suspicious activity at residences in town, such as increased traffic or visits at odd hours of the night.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
Police are asking the public to report any suspicious activity that could be related to drug trafficking or stolen property.
Medicine Hat Police Service treats all reports of suspected criminal activity seriously, and several warrants are executed each month resulting in arrests, according to a press release.
Common signs of suspicious illegal drug activity include hardly ever seeing the residents or they seem distant or secretive. There could also be frequent visitors and unusual traffic at odd times of the day or night, visitors at the property for short duration, residents meeting vehicles near the property for short periods and the presence of drug paraphernalia.
If you suspect you may be living next to a drug house contact the MHPS for any violations of the law including excessive noise, unsightly yard, dogs at large, parking violations, noisy parties, noisy vehicles, driving complaints, open liquor on the street and fights. Lesser offences often go hand-in-hand with criminal activity. The more attention a criminal receives from police, the more likely they are to move on, say police.
MHPS cannot enter a residence to search for drugs or people without a warrant. This is only granted if a judge is convinced that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe a criminal act is taking place.
The public can help police determine whether there are those grounds by keeping detailed notes of dates, times, licence plates and other information that help show illegal activity is taking place.
When a problem property is identified and there is enough supporting evidence to act, the MHPS will work closely with the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit to hold owners accountable for activity taking place on their property and supports landlords by helping them remove problem tenants who disrupt neighbourhoods and destroy property. SCAN can apply to the courts for a Community Safety Order that calls for owners to meet a number of conditions, or for the property to be closed for up to 90 days.
If you are suspicious about a property in your neighbourhood, contact the MHPS: 403-529-8481 or SCAN at 1-866-960-SCAN (7226).
HIV Community Link in southeastern Alberta has a needle debris hotline that you can call or text with the location of needle debris and their outreach team will come to pick it up and safely dispose of it. This service is available Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. by calling or texting 403-866-4698.
