Like many of you, I’ve been reading and hearing about the recent increase in property crime in downtown Haliburton — from attempted break-ins at businesses to stolen vehicles and vandalism. It’s upsetting to see these kinds of reports so close to home.

I know our community prides itself on being a safe, welcoming place, so when crime starts to rise, it makes us ask important questions:

• Why is this happening now?
• What role does poverty and affordability play?
• And most importantly — what can we do together to keep Haliburton safe?

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Why Are We Seeing More Crime?

Police have said they’re investigating an uptick in property crimes, but many of us can see the bigger picture too. Like other rural communities, Haliburton faces challenges:

• High poverty rates compared to the provincial average.
• Limited access to services like mental health and addiction support.
• Housing pressures and the rising cost of living that leave people vulnerable.

None of these things excuse crime — but they can help explain why it happens. If we want lasting solutions, we need to look at root causes as well as immediate responses.

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What Can We Do?

Here are some ideas I’ve heard from residents and seen work in other communities:

• Better communication and collaboration between business owners, residents, and police — including sharing security tips and updates.
• Supporting local businesses that are hit by crime so they don’t bear the burden alone.
• Exploring community safety initiatives like neighborhood watch programs or shared security measures (while still respecting privacy).
• Investing in poverty reduction and support services to address the challenges that put people at risk in the first place.

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Keeping Haliburton Safe Together

At the end of the day, Haliburton is at its best when neighbors look out for one another. Safety isn’t just about policing or cameras — it’s about building a community where people feel supported, respected, and connected.

I’d love to hear your thoughts:

• Have you noticed an increase in crime or vandalism in your neighborhood?
• What do you think would make the biggest difference in keeping Haliburton safe?

Share your ideas in the comments — because this is a conversation we need to have together.

— Jennifer