National statistics that show the crime rate dipping across the nation are being mirrored in Qualicum Beach.
In a recent report to council, Oceanside RCMP Staff Sergeant Brian Hunter detailed how criminal behaviors have dropped almost right across the board.
The figures show assaults down from this time in 2010, with 16 so far this year, compared to 20 in 2010. The figure is up from 2009’s 10 assaults, however.
As well, break and enters to businesses dropped from six to five — both years a significant drop from 2009’s 31. Similarly, break and enters to residences also dropped, from nine incidents in 2010 to six so far this year and 15 the year before.
Thefts of motor vehicles were up slightly, from five incidents at this time last year to six so far in 2011, but thefts from motor vehicles was down sharply, from 52 to 27.
Other thefts were also down, from 35 to 23 incidents. Mischief to businesses dropped from 38 to 31 incidents, while mischief to residential areas was down to 14, from 31 at this time last year.
Drug offences were up slightly, from eight to 10, while there were no impaired driving charges laid, compared to two last year at this time.
Liquor Act offences are also down, from 18 to 17.
The only area where there was a significant rise was with traffic offences, which saw numbers spike from 452 at this time last year to 546 this year. That’s up even more significantly from 2009’s 314 incidents.
Staff Sergeant Brian Hunter said the elevated traffic enforcement statistics come as a deliberate focus of the detachment.
“Right from the moment I got here and started speaking to elected officials, community partners and service groups, one of biggest complaints is traffic and traffic related issues,” Hunter said.
“As commander here, I have to listen and act on those concerns. Part of our strategic plan here is traffic enforcement to make the roads safer in this community. We are listening to the concerns of the community and we are acting on that.”
news@pqbnews.com