The campaign is focused on fostering unity and awareness. Photo courtesy Crime Stoppers
Edmonton, Alta.—Not-for-profit organization Alberta Crime Stoppers, in collaboration with the Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), unveiled its Rural Sign Campaign at the RCMP headquarters in Edmonton, Alta. The initiative aims to empower smaller communities and Indigenous jurisdictions across the province to combat crime through awareness and anonymous reporting.
The campaign focuses on deploying highly visible signs in strategic, high-traffic rural locations to inform the public about Crime Stoppers and how to report criminal activity confidentially. Current Crime Stopper Communities, including the City of Wetaskiwin and Piikani First Nation, have already adopted the program, with discussions underway to expand participation to additional communities.
“These signs are more than just markers; they are symbols of a community’s commitment to safety,” said Mark Holik, chair of Alberta Crime Stoppers. “They remind residents that their observations—what they see, hear, and know—can contribute to solving crimes and ensuring their neighborhoods remain safe.”
Crime Stoppers provides an anonymous platform for reporting crimes, allowing individuals to share information without fear of retribution. The Alberta RCMP relies heavily on these tips, which have led to hundreds of charges and millions of dollars in recovered property in 2024 alone.
Chief Superintendent Peter Tewfik, from the RCMP’s Community Safety and Well-being Branch, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “Ensuring the safety and building trust in communities across Alberta is our top priority. We are proud to work with Crime Stoppers and appreciate the critical role they play in uniting communities to create safer spaces for all Albertans.”
The campaign is also focused on fostering unity and awareness. The signs encourage active participation in crime prevention and demonstrate the power of community-led initiatives.
This campaign underscores the role of signage as a powerful communication tool in rural and Indigenous regions, showcasing how thoughtfully designed visual media can drive community engagement and safety.
To learn more about the Rural Sign Campaign, becoming a Crime Stopper Community, or Alberta Crime Stoppers’ broader programs, visit www.crimestoppers.ab.ca.
