The RCMP is looking to pump up its visibility around the community in an effort to reduce crime.
“Increased visibility in the community through proactive patrols, community events and joint patrols with Bylaw, as well as delivering crime reduction and prevention initiatives through our community policing section is one of our top priorities in 2024,” said Staff Sergeant Barry Graham.
Mayor Wayne Price said all residents can help fight crime.
“The more eyes and ears we have engaged in the City, the more effective our policing becomes,” said Price.
“I believe that the community is starting to understand that we all have a role to play in our community’s safety and well-being.”
The local detachment has started business engagement meetings to help identify issues and develop effective responses to public safety issues.
They will be meeting regularly with members of the business community.
“The feedback we receive through the business engagement meetings as well as the assistance of our future Auxiliary Program volunteers are the first of many steps in achieving this priority,” said Graham.
The detachment has also released its latest quarterly report which details crime statistics from January to March 2024.
In that time, the RCMP received 2099 calls for service and submitted 54 reports to Crown Counsel recommending charges.
There was a 100 per cent increase in sexual offences, jumping from eight to 16.
Graham said it’s something they are keeping an eye on, but some of the change can be attributed to increased reporting.
“There were at least two that were reported that had happened in previous years, which can show more of a change than what actually occurred,” he added.
“We’ve been noticing increased reporting from the community and businesses which is helping, but that can skew the results a little bit as well.”
Mischief incidents went up 140 per cent, from 63 to 147 and vehicle thefts increased from 10 in the previous quarter to 17.
The full quarterly report can be found below.
MORE: Cranbrook RCMP Q1 2024 Report (City of Cranbrook)
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