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According to Maclean's, seven of the ten cities with the highest rates of crime growth in the last five years are in Alberta.
Between 2012 and 2017, Wetaskiwin's Crime Severity Index increased, in part, due to a surge in break-ins and badaults. Red Deer and Lethbridge ranked second and third in terms of growth in crime.
The province has taken note of rising rural crime and has spent $ 10 million on police and court resources.
"I think it's a major concern, but it's important to note that these statistics are from 2017," said Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley.
The RCMP reported that property crime decreased by 11% in the first half of 2018.
Wetaskiwin Mayor Tyler Gandam is concerned about statistics and wants the provincial government to do more to help.
"We have a very clear problem," Gandam said. "No matter the origin of the crime … it's happening in our city and it's a problem we need to tackle."
With files from Dan Grummett
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