Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta Sheriffs have closed a problem property in Edmonton that has been a source of complaints about drug and criminal activity since 2015.
The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs obtained a court order against the property owner of 6707 32 Ave NW. The property will be closed for 90 days, beginning on July 10 at noon. All individuals must vacate the premises, including the current property owner.
The community safety order, obtained in the Court of King’s Bench, bars all people from the property until the closure period ends on Oct. 8. The property will be boarded up, fenced and all the locks will be changed. SCAN members will continue to monitor the property for activity while their investigation remains ongoing. Community safety order conditions remain in effect until Oct. 8, 2028.
“Once again, the SCAN unit has demonstrated its effectiveness at addressing public safety threats in our communities and neighbourhoods. By suppressing the illegal and dangerous activities occurring at this property, SCAN has helped give the neighbourhood back to law-abiding residents. It is unacceptable for Albertans to have drug-fueled criminal activity and chaos in their backyards, and I urge residents to stay vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activity in their communities” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.
“Collaboration with local policing partners is key to the SCAN unit’s success throughout Alberta. Thanks to our close work with the Edmonton Police Service, SCAN has once again helped restore safety to a suffering neighbourhood. Our sheriffs’ dedication to the peace and security of residents has, and will continue to, drive meaningful wins like this” said Andrew Albers, acting inspector, SCAN.
“EPS’ long-standing partnership with SCAN continues to be successful and we are pleased it has resulted in the closure of another problem property. Drug-fuelled crime frequently tries to hide in our communities, often targeting its most vulnerable members. Thanks to these partnerships, we are continuing to actively prevent further victimization and restore a sense of safety to our communities,” said Devin Laforce, interim chief, Edmonton Police Service.
The Alberta Sheriffs work with other law enforcement agencies to shut down properties being used for illegal activities. The SCAN unit operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold owners accountable for illegal activity happening on their property.
Since its inception in 2008, Alberta’s SCAN unit has investigated more than 10,000 properties and has issued more than 130 community safety orders. Most complaints are resolved by working with owners to stop the illegal activity on their property.
