The Manitoba government is providing $20,500 through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to the Steinbach RCMP detachment and $17,500 to the Manitoba East District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST) to purchase equipment that will combat property crime in the region.
“Our government is committed to reducing crime rates, promoting safer communities and supporting victims of crime,” said Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen. “We are proud to support the Steinbach and East District RCMP’s efforts to reduce property crime and make their communities safer for business owners, property owners and everyday Manitobans who are effected by theft and attempted thefts.”
The minister noted the funding in Steinbach will be used to purchase surveillance equipment, including digital and thermal imaging cameras, which will not only act as a deterrent to reduce property crime rates in the region but also enhance the department’s ability to identify suspects and prosecute them.
The Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team focuses on intelligence-based investigations into drugs, property crime and serious, prolific offenders within rural communities. There are currently three CREST teams in the province: one in the east, one in the west and one in northern Manitoba. Criminal property forfeiture funding will go to the Manitoba East District CREST area to support new equipment purchases to continue proactive policing measures that target property crimes.
“We’re thankful to the province for the continuing support of the RCMP as we work tirelessly to keep Manitobans safe,” said Chief Superintendent Rob Hill, acting commanding officer, Manitoba RCMP. “Today’s funding will be beneficial in our communities in so many ways including significantly assisting officers in investigating property crime.”
“This funding will allow Steinbach RCMP to have modern surveillance equipment that will help us investigate property crime more effectively,” said Sgt. Joanne Ryll, Steinbach RCMP. “We can never have too many tools in our toolbox.”
Since its inception in 2009, the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund has distributed more than $20 million back to communities throughout the province. The program seizes and liquidates criminal assets, and redirects funding to projects and initiatives designed to protect Manitobans and enhance public safety. The funds are provided to organizations across Manitoba whose important initiatives continue to build community, invest in youth and support victims of crime, noted the minister.
