Abela issues statement on drug activity and crime

One of the guiding principles I have always believed in as your Chief of Police is the importance of listening to our community. Recently, I have heard growing concerns from residents who feel unsafe, particularly in relation to drug activity and the influence of organized crime. These concerns are valid. Following a lengthy investigation into serious drug trafficking, the Taber Police Service, together with ALERT, laid significant charges and executed several search warrants. Out of an abundance of caution, tactical teams were deployed to ensure community and officer safety during these operations. I truly understand the perception of fear this creates, and hopefully the justice system will deal with those who create this fear.

As your Chief, I want to thank you for your continued trust and support of the Taber Police Service. Community safety is a shared responsibility. Only by working together, as neighbours, families, businesses, and law enforcement, can we ensure that Taber remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family.

Our most recent crime analysis shows that many categories of crime are gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels. We have seen an increase in theft from motor vehicles and theft in general. While these figures remain within manageable ranges, they are important reminders that awareness and prevention matter. I am proud to note that the Taber Police Service maintains one of the best crime clearance rates in the province, consistently outperforming many other jurisdictions. But success cannot lead to complacency.

Theft from vehicles and other property crimes may seem minor compared to more serious offences like drug trafficking, but their impact should not be underestimated. For victims, these crimes bring frustration, fear, and financial loss. For the community, they chip away at trust, create insecurity, and diminish overall wellbeing. Too often, these offences are driven by addiction. Our intelligence suggests that only about 30 individuals are responsible for most of these crimes. We have arrested, charged, and placed conditions on them, but the cycle of release and reoffending continues, often without meaningful intervention to address root causes. Our officers are doing everything they can within the justice system, but the pattern of “catch and release” remains a challenge.

This is why prevention must extend beyond policing. Safety is strengthened when the entire community is engaged. Every resident can play a part, by securing property, reporting suspicious activity, supporting vulnerable neighbours, or mentoring young people. These small actions collectively build resilience.

A recent example is the work of our Citizens on Patrol Society, who promoted the “Lock It or Lose It” campaign. Their message is simple: lock your vehicles, don’t leave them running unattended, remove valuables from sight, and remain alert. These steps reduce opportunities for crime and help prevent victimization.

 Looking forward, we must also focus on addressing the social determinants that drive criminal behaviour, such as addiction, poverty, and lack of support services. This will be the subject of future messages, as we consider how we, as a community, can take a broader approach to public safety.

Together, we can continue to build a safer, more connected, and more resilient Taber.

Graham Abela 

Chief of Police

Taber Police Service