Protecting our Rural Communities Together
Protecting the rural way of life by preventing crime and fostering a secure environment in our communities.
The Southeast Alberta Rural Crime Watch Association aims to strengthen crime prevention across Cypress County, County of Forty Mile, Newell County, and its municipalities through broad citizen participation. By working together, we can safeguard our communities from crime and ensure they remain safe places to live, work, and raise our families.
2025 Fraud statistics for Cypress County.
Since January 1, 2025, there have been
0
reported cases of fraud in Redcliff and Cypress County.
The most common types of fraud in our area include:
Merchandise Fraud
Investment Fraud
Service Fraud
Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in
Grandparent Fraud or Emergency Fraud
where scammers prey on families by creating urgent, emotional situations.
These scams typically begin online, often through social media platforms, which scammers use to make initial contact with their victims. In addition, the RCMP are currently investigating a few large-scale, long-term frauds, often involving employees in positions of financial responsibility. These cases usually come to light after a company conducts an internal audit.
The golden rule to remember when it comes to fraud prevention is simple: if it seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Staying vigilant and informed is the best defense.
Become a Member
As a member, you'll be added to our Fanout list, which means you'll receive timely emails or phone calls from SEABRCWA about criminal activity in your area. You'll also be alerted when your observations could assist in solving ongoing incidents. Your participation can make a significant difference in keeping our communities safe.
$25
Lifetime fee per household/business.
This fee covers your entire household or business and helps offset the cost of the signs and materials you receive as part of your membership.
Membership Benefits:
- Receive exclusive, timely notifications directly to your phone or email about suspicious activity and urgent crime alerts in your area.
- Stay informed with real-time reports from local RCMP and ongoing investigations.
- Assist law enforcement by reporting suspicious activity matching Fanout descriptions. Your quick response can make a difference.
- Receive "Member of Rural Crime Watch" and/or "No Trespassing" signs as part of your membership.
- Inform the community that your property is part of an actively monitored crime watch network, boosting neighborhood vigilance.
- Increase visibility and deter potential intruders with bright, clearly marked signs.
Preventing Crime,
Preserving Community.
At the Southeast Alberta Rural Crime Watch Association, we offer a range of services designed to keep our rural communities safe and secure. Help to build a safer, stronger, and more vigilant rural community in Southeast Alberta.
Fanout Alerts
Stay informed and vigilant with our Fanout Alert system. We work closely with local law enforcement to quickly distribute important crime-related information to our members. Whether it’s suspicious activity or urgent crime alerts, you’ll receive timely notifications to help protect your property and community.
Crime Watch App
Stay connected and informed with the Crime Watch App. This user-friendly tool allows you to report suspicious activities and access valuable crime prevention resources directly from your phone. It’s an essential tool for staying one step ahead of potential threats.
Citizens on Patrol
The Alberta Citizens on Patrol program empowers community members to actively participate in crime prevention. Volunteers patrol rural areas, acting as additional eyes and ears for the RCMP. By reporting suspicious activity, they play a crucial role in deterring crime and enhancing community safety.
Crime Watch Signage
Display your commitment to rural safety with our member signs. We offer “No Trespassing” and “Rural Crime Watch Member” signs in durable plastic or reflective aluminum. These signs serve as a clear deterrent to potential trespassers and reinforce the presence of an active Crime Watch community in your area.
Recent Fanouts & Crime Alerts
The Southeast Alberta Rural Crime Watch Association aims to strengthen crime prevention across Cypress County, County of Forty Mile, Newell County, and its municipalities through broad citizen participation. By working together, we can safeguard our communities from crime and ensure they remain safe places to live, work, and raise our families.
Everyone is welcome, please RSVP though. Supper will be beef on a bun from the Tilley Hotel, and we will have presentations from RCMP from Bassano, Brooks, Bow Island and Redcliff. Looking forward to seeing you on the 17th!
Brooks RCMP Media ReleaseNovember 4, 2026 Brooks RCMP Arrest Man Following Vehicle Ramming IncidentBrooks, Alta. - On October 28, 2026, at approximately 10:55 p.m., Brooks RCMP received a 911 call reporting that a suspect in a Dodge Ram truck had followed the caller’s vehicle home and repeatedly rammed the caller’s vehicle while in a back alley parking area in the 1000 block of Cassils Road West. It was also reported that the suspect threatened the caller and attempted to gain entry into the caller’s vehicle including by breaking a window. Several RCMP officers responded to the area and intercepted and stopped the suspect vehicle in the 500 block of Cassils Road West; the suspect was arrested without incident. The investigation found that the suspect and caller were known to each other, the caller’s vehicle contained 3 occupants including a baby, and that the caller’s vehicle, a blue Chrysler 300 car, sustained moderate damages while the suspect’s vehicle sustained minor damages. As a result of the investigation, 48-year-old Bol DENG GAI, a resident of Brooks, was charged with: Assault with a weapon (two counts)Uttering threatsMischiefDangerous operation of a motor vehicleIntimidation DENG GAI was initially remanded into custody, was subsequently released on conditions, and is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Brooks on November 4th, 2026 to answer to the charges. Brooks RCMP Respond to Wrong-Way Driver on Highway 1 County of Newell, Alta. - On October 31, 2026, at approximately 8:55 p.m., Brooks RCMP received two separate reports of a pickup truck travelling in opposing lanes of traffic on Highway 1 near Tilley, Alta. It was also reported the truck was swerving and almost collided with other vehicles. Little description was available of the suspect vehicle. Several Officers responded to the area and located a white Dodge truck with its headlights on, parked on the shoulder of the westbound lanes of Highway 1. Officers initiated contact with the lone male occupant and made observations consistent with impairment. The driver was required to provide a breath sample using an Approved Screening Device (ASD), which resulted in a "FAIL." The driver was arrested and escorted to the Brooks Detachment for further breath samples but refused to provide. As a result, the driver was charged criminally with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance and Fail to comply with a breath demand. Further to this, the male was issued a Notice of Administrative Penalty for a second offence under Alberta's Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) program and received a violation ticket for transporting liquor within reach of an occupant. Under Alberta's Immediate Roadside Sanctions program, a second IRS FAIL occurrence carries the following penalties:An immediate 90-day driver's licence suspension.A 36-month participation in the Albera Ignition Interlock program.A 30-day vehicle seizure.A 2-day Impact Course; andA $2,000 fine plus victim surcharge. The driver, a 30-year-old male and resident of Calgary, was released on Appearance Notice and is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Brooks on January 13, 2027 to answer to the criminal charges.
October 30, 2026 RCMP and Partners Execute Search Warrant and Charge Two in Relation to Drug Trafficking Brooks, Alta. - In mid 2026 the Brooks RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) with the assistance of the Alberta Sheriff’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhood’s team (SCAN) initiated an investigation on a residence located in the 700 block of Lakewood Road in the City of Brooks in response to suspected drug trafficking. As part of the investigation, search warrants were granted and executed on the residence and three vehicles on the afternoon of October 28, 2026 by the Brooks CRU team, the Brooks and Bassano patrol members, and the Medicine Hat Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT). As a result of the operation, two suspects were arrested and police seized evidence and illicit substances including: -Approx. 50 grams of suspected methamphetamine;-Approx. 5.5grams of suspected cocaine;-Suspected buffing agents;-Electronic scales;-Cell phones; and-Packaging materials. Police also seized two vehicles that were used in the commission of an offence. Brooks RCMP arrested and charged 2 individuals: Jonathan Matthews, 39-year-old resident of Brooks, was charged with two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking.Mercedee Stolson, 28-year-old resident of Brooks, was charged with one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking. Both were subject to Judicial Interim Release Hearings, were released on conditions, and both are scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Brooks on November 18, 2026. Corporal Aaron LAGACE of the Brooks Crime Reduction Unit stated, “There is a misconception that dealing small quantities of drugs will keep dealers off police radar. This investigation proves otherwise. Drug trafficking, regardless of the amount involved, fuels harm in our communities. Those who choose to participate in the drug trade will be investigated and face the consequences of their actions.”
Stay Informed: Latest updates, news, and tips for a Safer Community.
Check back regularly for new articles on a wide range of topics, from crime prevention strategies and community success stories, to updates on local initiatives and programs. Whether you’re looking to stay informed about the latest rural safety trends or seeking practical advice on protecting your property, we are your go-to resource.
Nov 13
Learn more about recent fraud trends, local scam statistics, and real case examples from Southern Alberta.
Feb 19
Scammers can target any Canadian or Canadian business. Here are some tips and tricks to protect yourself or your business from scams and fraud.
Aug 23
Rural areas are often characterized by vast agricultural landscapes, family farms, and close-knit communities where people know and look out for each other. However, the sparse population and isolated locations in these areas can create opportunities for criminal activities.
Aug 22
Crime, in any form, is a threat to our peaceful communities. The sense of community that binds us together is our greatest strength, but it also requires us to be vigilant. It’s up to neighbors and family members to keep an eye on what’s happening down the road.
