Okotoks RCMP reported a general decrease in crime for the second quarter of 2019.
The statistics, which were presented to Okotoks town council at its Sept. 9 meeting, indicated a decrease in most crimes, while the operational update demonstrated strength in numbers.
Okotoks RCMP Detachment Staff Sgt. Zane Semaniuk said the detachment has seen an increase in staff since the last quarter, when it was reported that the detachment was short-staffed.
“Our human resources have improved from our last quarter report with three regular members joining our team, two of which are watch supervisors,” he said. “We look forward to a few more incoming transfers being completed as well as gaining two new members from the RCMP training academy.
“We are currently well staffed in all detachment positions, promoting a healthy work environment for everyone.”
While stressing the need for caution in interpreting quarterly statistics as they only form part of the picture, Semaniuk said most crime statistics trended downwards for the detachment.
“The second quarter stats overall were very positive,” said Semaniuk.
Persons crimes for the April to June quarter totalled 509 calls, which is down 24 per cent from last year and 23 per cent on the five-year average.
Property crimes—including break and enters, theft under $5,000, theft from vehicles and theft of vehicles—additionally saw a decrease in the second quarter, with 207 calls for services coming in at an 18 per cent decrease from last year and 33 per cent decrease over the last five.
“From January to June in relation to property crimes to other Southern Alberta District municipal detachments, Okotoks had the most significant decrease of 24 per cent on the five-year average,” said Semaniuk.
He said the Okotoks detachment conducted a minor undercover operation and recovered a significant amount of stolen property from the area.
Total other criminal code calls, including weapons offensives and disturbing the peace, were down 18 per cent from last year and 30 per cent lower on the five year average.
Drug related calls saw the steepest reduction, with calls for production, possession, and trafficking overall trending downwards by 80 per cent from last year, and 74 per cent over the last five years.
Provincial statistics showed a two per cent increase for the quarter and an eight per cent increase for the five year average.
Municipal bylaw calls were up by a smaller percentage but balanced over the five-year average, and motor vehicle collisions remained steady on the five-year average.
When asked by Coun. Ray Watrin what he would contribute the decrease in crime statistics to, Semaniuk said a lot of it has to do with the community.
“They’re reporting suspicious vehicles, suspicious persons which although that number is high it’s actually very good because then it gets our patrols focused on where they need to be along with being intelligence led,” he said.
Semaniuk said that there was an upwards trend in reported suspicious persons and vehicles of 33 per cent, going from 64 reports during the second quarter last year to 85 this year.
“This is a positive trend in the community for reporting their observations to the RCMP, which contributes positively towards a safe community,” he said.
Semaniuk said the community’s engagement with local policing, where “residents actively contribute to the safety and well-being of everyone” made for a safer community.
He also stressed the importance of working with the detachment’s partners as part of the Protective Services team, such as Municipal Enforcement and the Fire Services, to collaboratively enhance best practices.
