The Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association (APRCWA), hopes to expand its coverage of the province.

Through the use of registered observational groups, members of rural communities act as eyes and ears for the RCMP.

"It's actually fairly simple, we have our provincial rural crime watch website, and there are forms on there a person can fill out, and you need to start an official association." said Conrad Van Hierden, Zone 1 Director, APRCWA.

An association in Cochrane is among the province's newest additions, with two more in the works West of the town.

Crime Watch in Alberta has deep roots in the Cochrane area, as a rancher and other residents formed one of the province's first associations in 1969. Members volunteer to acts as guides for RCMP officers on backroads and hard to access rural properties.

Although Airdrie is yet to feature a formal rural crime watch association, the APRCWA hopes that may change.

"It's not like we're doing anything, we're just eyes and ears for the RCMP, but we are out there watching," said Van Hierden, "We see vehicles and right away we will question them or even write down a licence plate, it's simple as that."

Van Hierden adds, that it takes a group of 5 or 6 people to for the association required to sign up as a non for profit charity and register.

For more information, visit the APRCWA website.