Crime rate perception not reality, say Abbeydale residents, statistics

Residents in the northeast Calgary neighbourhood of Abbeydale are speaking out after a police shooting in their neighbourhood, saying their community's negative reputation is undeserved.

Larry Leach, the executive director of the 12 Community Safety Initiative a group that works to prevent crime in several northeast Calgary neighbourhoods said the nickname 'Stabbydale'is not fair.

"Look at the reaction of the residents ... by and large they've all talked about how safe their community is and how they feel very safe in Abbeydale. And to their credit, they all feel some community pride. So I would say look at the actual quotes from people and not your perception of the northeast and of Abbeydale," he said.

On Tuesday, Calgary police responded to an armed robbery, attempted car theft and attempted break-and-enter in the neighbourhood where anofficer was shot.

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The police's victim assistance team has offered support to residents of Abbeydale impacted by the stress of the incident.

"People were traumatized by what they had seen going on in their community and they're not used to that sort of activity," Leach said.

Community is safe, family-oriented: residents

Michelle Robinson who ran for Calgary city council in the last municipal electionsaid Tuesday's events left her shell-shocked.

"Our area is really safe and the kind of place where you learn to ride your bike and the kind of place where you walk your dog. We don't have that type of drama in this area very often," she said. "I love this community and I'll never leave."

Mike Blanchfield said he's seen little crime in his 38 yearsliving in the neighbourhood, and the shooting doesn't change how safe he feels.

"I'm 75. I've been retired for 10years. No, I love the neighbourhood, my wife and I. We don't even talk about moving. It's our home and we've been here for a long time," he said.

Clayton Powell has lived in Abbeydale for 15 years. On the day of the shooting he missed walking his dog due to the police activity, but he was back out the next day.

"I grew up in the northeast so I've never had an issue over here. It's a very safe neighbourhood. My daughter's grown up here. It's very family oriented," Powell said. "Stuff like this happens, I can see why the community comes together as well."

Several neighbourhoods across the city saw more crimes reported than Abbeydalelast year, according to Calgary police statistics.

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