Aftermath of tire slash

Times Contributor 

 

The Strathmore RCMP announced that between the evening and early morning hours of April 24 to April 25, someone caused damage to multiple vehicles in the Town of Strathmore. 

Most of the reported vehicles were parked along Centre Street. Strathmore social media sites indicated that residents in the Brentwood and Bayview area also had damage done to vehicles. The vandal slashed tires of random vehicles along the route of travel. Approximately 30 vehicles have been reported with damage to one or all four tires. Strathmore RCMP is asking the public for assistance with this matter. Please contact them with any information, by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3968. Crime Stoppers offers rewards for credible information leading to a successful conviction.

“The recent slashing of tires in many of the towns’ neighborhoods is disgusting. The perpetrators have no respect for other peoples’ property. As a former peace officer, I can attest to the fact that this type of crime is normally opportunistic (seldom planned) and normally takes place after an over-indulgence of alcohol,” said Strathmore Town Councillor and former RCMP officer Bob Sobol on his Facebook page. 

The aftermath is that people feel a little less safe for themselves and their belongings. Those with slashed tires will have to pay for new ones.

One person posted on Facebook that he was looking for one tire replacement. He was angered by additional costs, which added insult to the original injury, because under safety constraints service clerks were required to replace all four tires due to the All Wheel Drive on his vehicle. Replacing only one tire could damage the transmission system and the store did not want to be liable for the possible damage. The man said that not all tire shops carry tires for his vehicle either.

Carl Brown at Fountain Tire said that they are also seeing some unhappy people come in for replacement tires. 

“It’s done, so what are you going to do right?” said Brown. He said on incidents in the past, owner Bob Vert had softened the sting by offering returning customers cost plus $10, for replacement tires. Brown suggested that an insurance program, similar to what is offered for glass coverage, would be a good idea. 

“You know something like you pay $15 month and then every two or three years, you get new tires,” said Brown.

Some people do have tire puncture insurance, offered to them by their tire dealer at the time of sale. However, if tires were vandalized coverage is not valid under the definitions for a regular puncture. Owners would have to apply for replacement through their auto insurance.

Beth MacDonald, Associate Insurance and Financial Advisor, at Cooperators Insurance in Strathmore, said it may be worthwhile to file a claim covered under their comprehensive insurance.

“Maybe not for one tire, but if both were affected,” said MacDonald. “Usually people have $250 deductible on their comprehensive insurance. They think if they claim, their rates will go up, but when the claim is not their fault, such as in this case, their rate should not change.”

She said people need to call police and make a report and then go to their insurance and fill out a claim. An insurance claims officer will investigate, and MacDonald said Cooperators tries to settle claims quickly. She said people should inquire about what is covered. For example, if all the wheels were damaged and the vehicle had to be towed to the tire shop, the tow may be covered. She said that any improvements or betterments are not covered and are the responsibility of the owner.

If people aren’t covered or reimbursed by insurance, or for some reason the insurance goes up, some solace may be gained through filling out Restitution for Victims of Crime form. The request, along with proof and copies of receipts, accompanies the police report, so that on a guilty verdict, the presiding judge can consider the request at the time of sentencing. Request the forms from the RCMP, or Victim Services, or more information can be obtained through: Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security Victims Telephone: 780-427-3460 -free through Service Alberta at 310-0000 www.victims.alberta.ca 

Vandalism has been an ongoing problem in town over the years. There were previous tire slashing incidents in Strathmore in 2011 and 2003. There were also past incidents of painting on cars. Strathmore’s social media sites were buzzing with suggestions to combat vandalism. They ranged from asking for more after hour police surveillance, offering rewards for information and intensifying the curfew bylaw. Councillor Sobol suggested more people volunteer for the Citizens on Patrol program.

“Town Council supports (in a number of ways) our COP Program (Citizens of Patrol). This group works with the RCMP – is basically their “ears and eyes” on the street. They have been successful in reducing wilful damage events in the past. Their success depends on their numbers. Right now, their numbers are dwindling. Here is a great opportunity for our citizens to get involved. By working a couple of shifts a month, you can really make a difference in these types of crimes. If you want to get involved, call the RCMP (403 934-3968) and tell them you want to join the Strathmore COP program,” said Sobol.

Heads always turn to examine youth for vandalism crimes, but there is a strong community voice that stands up for law-abiding Strathmore youth. There are numerous positive activities that Strathmore youth participate in, which outnumber the incidents of destructive activity. 

“We automatically associate it with youth, but I can guarantee you that it is not always the case,” said Sobol. 

The Town and various associations have supported community programming to engage youth. The development of the community Youth Centre is just one example of proactive organizations dedicated to programs for youth involvement. The Town also instituted an evening curfew bylaw, where teens age 12-15 are required to have a guardian with them, in any public place between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.

The question remains why vandalism still occurs in Strathmore, despite strong community initiatives? What more can be done?