The Lethbridge Police Service has started an ongoing operation targeting crime and social disorder in the downtown area. (Photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Police in Lethbridge launch operation to target downtown crime and disorder

Mar 15, 2024 | 11:11 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has started an ongoing operation.

It began on March 13, 2024 and will last throughout the year, targeting crime and social disorder in the downtown area. The enforcement project includes members of the Downtown Policing Unit, Crime Suppression Team, Property Crimes Unit and Community Peace Officers.

It will feature a combination of uniform and covert officers targeting offenders “engaged in criminal activity along with other negative behaviours impacting perceptions of safety in the city centre.”

On the operation’s first day, LPS members seized 350 street doses of fentanyl, arrested 13 people, executed 37 warrants, apprehended an impaired driver and issued nine violation tickets.

Businesses and individuals in the downtown area of Lethbridge might see an increased police presence on the days the teams are deployed.

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The LPS says it is committed to providing a safe community. One of the goals of the 2024 Annual Policing Plan is to boost visibility and capacity in the downtown core. The LPS is also a member of the Downtown Lawlessness Reduction Task Force.

READ MORE: Downtown Lawlessness Reduction Task Force officially operational in Lethbridge

In addition to this enforcement initiative, the LPS says members of the Downtown Policing Unit, along with Patrol and Community Peace Officers, conduct “proactive policing” and regularly respond to calls downtown. Members of the Watch are available for safe walks on request.

Anyone who observes suspicious activity downtown, or anywhere in Lethbridge, is asked to call the LPS at 403-328-4444. Incidents of theft under $5,000, mischief, theft from vehicles and damage to vehicles can be reported online. Additionally, there is an ‘information only’ category where citizens can report nuisance and non-criminal matters.

READ MORE: Downtown Lawlessness Reduction Task Force officially operational in Lethbridge

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