Members of the Okotoks Area Range Patrol and Rural Crime Watch Association were provided with a number of updates and tips at the November 2nd meeting.

Okotoks RCMP Constable Ken Petruik, assigned to rural crime watch, announced news on a recently approved 4 watch system being brought to the Okotoks department.

Constable Petruik says the new system will allow officers to cover more calls and respond faster.

"We've gotten approval for a 4 watch system so that's looking to take place early 2017. And with a 4 watch system that's going to allow another 7 to 8 members to be on the road. Basically when you look at it there's going to be more overlapping of coverage when that happens."

The possibility of introducing an enhanced rural crime watch officer to the area was also discussed and though nothing is in motion at the moment, Petruik says members responded positively to the idea.

"It seemed very receptive. That's just something I posed to the membership here and seeing what value that would be to have a member stationed here in the area to respond directly to the calls for service that they might have and it would free Okotoks members up and maybe allow us to respond to crime better."

Helpful tips were also discussed at the meeting, Pretruik reminds all members to always have their 911 addresses visible for officers who are responding to a call.

"A lot of members may not be as familiar with the rural area and with that 911 address it can help us pinpoint and get us there quicker in an emergency. And then another big point to mention with that is to make sure those are visible so when people are coming make sure there are no branches covering the address or snow debris, anything that might block it."

Alarm systems, or even alarm system stickers in the window will deter people from breaking in to residents and members properties of the country.

People are also encouraged to always call  9-1-1 if they witness any suspicious activity in rural areas and to provide a clear location, vehicle description and license plate if possible.