Special weeks are a dime-a-dozen, it seems.
But some have more merit than others and one that is definitely worth while is “National Crime Prevention Week,” beginning today.
This is an observance sponsored by the Exchange Clubs of America the past 28 years as part of their year around crime prevention program.
Locally, the Provo Exchange Club participates each year. This month, with the cooperation of Provo, Orem, and Utah County law enforcement agencies the club is planning a series of awards intended to recognize the local crime prevention effort and give motivation for a still stronger program.
One of the country’s most serious problems is that of a soaring crime rate – and the problem has descended upon Central Utah in a big way during the past year with an upsurge in major crime such as murder and rape.
Statistically, crime is increasing nationally at a faster rate than prices – up 16 per cent in the first half of last year alone. The chances of the average citizen’s being mugged, murdered, or beaten have increased significantly.
More than 50,000 members of Exchange Clubs of America are involved in that organization’s program of crime prevention. The Exchangites certainly are not a group of armed vigilantes.
They’re doing their crime fighting this year with posters, press accounts, pamphlets and any other way they can carry the program to the public.
The clubs will be distributing information in an envelope they’re calling their “crime deflation kit.” it contains a pamphlet listing the simple precautions we can all take to reduce our chances of being victimized by criminals.
Here in Central Utah, we’ve been lulled into apathy by low crime rates for many years. But the situation is changing and it’s time we as a citizenry wake up and realize that crime-fighting is everyone’s business, including ours.
We must respond to the rise in major crime with toughness – with stronger police forces, greater citizen cooperation, and with precautions, enforcement, and penalties that will demonstrate that this area isn’t going to put up with crime or criminals.
National Crime Prevention Week is a good time to make resolutions and take steps in this direction. Let’s support the Exchange Clubs in their effort.