The City of Winnipeg’s online crime statistics (www.winnipeg.ca ) reveal that violent crime rates are down from last year in Winnipeg’s downtown, while property crimes, like auto theft, are up. What these statistics should tell you is that crime does happen. What it shouldn’t tell you is to stay away from the city’s centre. In the words of Rick Joyal, manager of safety and development for the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ: The best defence is common sense.

“Walk with a purpose and be aware of your surroundings,” advises Joyal. “Don’t put yourself in an awkward position—avoid dark places, buddy-up when walking around and don’t carry large sums of money.”

If you work downtown and feel uncomfortable walking by yourself, the Downtown BIZ offers a SafeWalk program 958.4627) between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. that provides a Downtown Watch Ambassador who will walk with you to or from your car or the bus stop.

Change for the better
Downtown panhandlers make some people nervous and both the city and province seem to be taking a more active roll on this front, looking at successful programs currently running in Austin and Atlanta. One step that has been taken is the creation of the Change for the Better program. Created by the Downtown BIZ, the program has a series of donation boxes located in 130 downtown retail businesses. These donations are given to the six downtown agencies that provide food for homeless people in the area.

Out of sight, out of reach
Property crimes like auto theft and break and enter are still major problems in this city, and downtown in particular. Car thefts, however, can be dramatically reduced if you follow a few simple ideas.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is offering free immobilizers and installation to vehicles with the highest risk of being stolen. These immobilizers shut down one or two sections of the car’s electrical system, making it extremely difficult to start without the special key. Inexpensive devices like “the Club” may also discourage thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle, especially if they are trying to do it quickly.

Parking in well-lit and well-traveled areas can discourage thieves, while leaving nothing in your vehicle will reduce the chance that you will return to a broken window. Joyal cautions us that “if there is only a pane of glass between them and the object of their desire the temptation may be too great.” Bottom line: If you don’t need your new jacket, put it in the trunk, not the back seat.

Office Protection
Break and enter has become a big concern for businesses in the downtown, as thieves are increasingly targeting laptop computers, flat screen displays and other in-demand office equipment. One idea is to purchase inexpensive locking cables that let you secure laptops to desks. Another good idea is to always lock the doors behind you, and report suspicious activity. The simple act of closing your office blinds each night hides your office contents from the curious.

Businesses downtown are taking measures to improve their safety and security. The simplest method is to install lighting in parking lots, walkways and over doors and windows. Some businesses have installed cameras that record 24/7 onto computer hard-drives and back-up to disc. The Winnipeg Police are currently researching how businesses might work together, sharing these electronic eyes to aid them in apprehension.

Don’t let these challenges stop you from enjoying the nightlife, restaurants, museums, arts, sports, galleries, coffee shops and stores downtown. The more people downtown, the fewer places there will be that offer the seclusion needed to perpetrate crime.