The Cranbrook RCMP has seen a 13 per cent increase in calls for service and a noticeable bump in break-and-enters.
From July to September 2024 there were 2,358 reports to police, up from 2,075 last quarter.
Break-and-enters jumped from 18 last quarter to 38.
S/Sgt. Barry Graham says some of the increase may be from more businesses reporting, but it will be something they continue to watch.
“I would hope that there is an increase in the reporting to be part of it,” he said.
“We can’t attribute it to any one group. We have intelligence that points to people who have homes, and people who don’t have homes. We can’t ascertain who’s responsible for all of it but it has been quite active and has kept us on our toes.”
Thefts of vehicles and thefts from vehicles were also on the rise last quarter jumping from seven to 19 and 24 to 68 respectively.
Graham says the inclusion of a community engagement coordinator and volunteers has helped in the department’s crime reduction initiatives.
Volunteers helped speed-check 1301 vehicles at hot spot locations and 40 businesses were engaged as part of project Industrial Road businesses.
The project provides information on crime prevention strategies placement of CCTV cameras and reporting incidents to police.
“We are grateful for the support of our volunteers. Not only does the volunteer program increase visibility in the community, but they are also integral in the delivery of several RCMP crime reduction initiatives,” said Graham.
“We look forward to expanding the number of initiatives we deliver as we recruit and train more volunteers.”
The full Cranbrook RCMP 3rd quarter report can be found here.
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