WESTLOCK - Compared to the first eight months of 2019, crime statistics for the Town of Westlock are down by nearly 30 per cent.
And although overall crime numbers remain static from 2017-2020 with only a -1 per cent change, compared to the first 243 days of 2019 there’s been a 15 per cent drop in property crimes, a 19 per cent dip in person crimes, while thefts under $5,000 have plummeted by 16 per cent as of Aug. 31.
Those were a few of the highlights presented to Town of Westlock council Sept. 28 by Westlock RCMP Staff Sgt. Al Baird — his six-page report was unanimously accepted by council.
Out of 32 reported categories, only criminal harassment (up to 19 from 13 in 2019), fraud (42 versus 37 in 2019), offensive weapons (10 versus four in 2019) and drug trafficking (14 versus four in 2019) have risen. Police involvement with Mental Health Act cases has also sharply increased from 38 in 2019 to 112 in 2020, while “other provincial stats” are up 19 (76 versus 97) and suspicious vehicles/persons reports have climbed from 170 to 223.
“In the Eastern Alberta District municipal numbers have shown an increase in persons crimes and property crimes … so we’re doing a little bit better that the average,” said Baird, noting the detachment currently has 13 members (one Staff Sgt. two corporals and 10 constables) and will be receiving a new constable in November.
With 195 less files on the RCMP’s books for 2020, break and enters declined by 17 per cent, while thefts of motor vehicles shrunk by 20 per cent. Another huge drop was in “other Criminal Code” matters, down by 61 per cent, which Baird attributed to a reduction in breach charges.
Coun. Murtaza Jamaly called the lower crime numbers “music to our ears” before asking if there was any correlation between the full complement and the reduction.
“It’s too early to tell as the one (new officer) just came in at the beginning of July,” Baird replied. “But I think COVID may have helped because people are home more now and are diligent, especially in town. And I’m encouraged to see people calling in suspicious vehicles and such because we’re getting the patrols out. We’re more visible.”
Ultimately these lower crime numbers tie in with the ‘K’ Division’s Annual Performance Plan (APP) priorities which has crime reduction as the No. 1 goal. Priority ‘A’ on that list is reducing break and enters, thefts under $5,000 and thefts of motor vehicles by seven per cent from 2019.
“And today we’re on track to reach that part of it,” Baird noted.
Meanwhile clearance rates for person offences currently sits at 86 per cent, while for property offences the number stands at 12 per cent, a figure that needs work, said Baird.
“That’s lower than I’d like to have it as property offences are typically ones that have a lower solve rate,” said Baird.
Priority ‘B’ on the performance plan list also focuses on clearance rates — ‘K’ Division wants them at 26 per cent for break and enters, thefts under $5,000 and thefts of motor vehicles.
“We have some work to do on that as we’re about 14 per cent behind it … that number was set by the commanding officer of ‘K’ Division and it’s one we’re trying to achieve.”
Enhancing public confidence and engagement slots in at No. 2 on the APP. Due to COVID-19 hosting a public consultation was out of the question, so the local detachment has been soliciting response via mail and e-mail from Sept. 21 to Oct. 5 — as of Sept. 28 they had yet to get any feedback. All comments, concerns, ideas, or remarks can be sent to the detachment directly via e-mail at [email protected] or by mail at Westlock RCMP, 10807 104 Ave., Westlock, T7P 1B3. In late October Baird will publish his review of any correspondence they receive.
“We’re hopeful in the last week it will pick up,” he added.
George Blais, TownandCountryToday.com
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated property offences have a higher solve rate. This version has been updated to reflect the correct statement Baird gave.
