Provincial crime reduction report due in 2 weeks

The Saskatchewan government will make public a report containing recommendations on how to reducecrime rates in the province within the next two weeks, according to a senior government official.

In an email to CBC News on Friday, Kathy Young saidthe report prepared by a committee of SaskatchewanParty MLAs tasked with consulting municipalities, police departments and other organizations about what can be done is readyand has been presented to the justice minister.

She said an announcement on the matter will becoming in the "near future."

• Government committee to tackle crime in country, cities
• Sask. has the highest provincial crime rate in Canadaand the most severe crimes, too

"It's been a long time coming," said interim NDP leader Nicole Sarauer, adding she's requested a copy of the report.

Sarauercriticized the length of time it's taken for the committee to complete the document, saying crime is a major concern to communities across the province.

Focus on rural property crimes

Formally calledthe Caucus Committee on Crime Reduction, the seven-person group was struck in November 2016 comprising both urban and rural elected officials.

• Sask. residents need more rights to protect property, SARM resolution says
• SARM members want more action on rural crime

According to a government news release, it was formed to addressissues such as the rise in property crimes in rural areas, the spread of deadly and addictive opioids as well as gun- and gang-related crimes.

Cliff Chutskoff, whoowns a permanent lake home in a regional parknorth of Prince Albert, sayshe's been a victim of property crime, as have many other property owners in the subdivision.

'Terrifying experience'

"We're reluctant to go on vacation because we're fearful of what might happen to our property," he told CBC News.

He said one night last October, he and his wife were awakened by two people attempting to break into their home.

"It was a terrifying experience," he said.

"I don't think there's many neighbourhoods in Saskatchewan that if the residents had that kind of experience that there wouldn't be immediate action."

Sarauersaid she wants to see the report's recommendationscontainproactivemeasures, including anti-gang strategies.