Drumheller is a little bit safer according to the Drumheller RCMP detachment.
At the August 13 meeting of the Drumheller Town Council, the quarterly report was presented for the RCMP. Compared to previous years, overall crime is down.
“We’re not entirely sure why, but overall crime has been decreasing in Drumheller,” said Corporal Kevin Charles, a member of the Drumheller RCMP.
One area in particular has seen a marked decrease. In the RCMP’s annual performance plan, frauds were highlighted as an area needing increased attention.
Last year the instances of successful fraud were increasing and residents were falling prey to increasingly sophisticated scams, especially on the internet.
It seems the RCMP have been showing results. Compared to last year at this time, successful frauds have been reduced by 50 percent.
“I think it’s due to education and word of mouth. People have realized these frauds are becoming more common and are becoming more suspicious by nature,” said Corporal Charles. “There were so many new frauds and people were being taken by them. In response, we spread public awareness, because the best thing is prevention in these cases.”
Unfortunately, frauds, especially those done over the internet, are difficult to investigate and in some cases the perpetrator may not even reside in Canada. Residents are asked to remain vigilant and report anything they may suspect is fraud.
Another area showing a sizeable decrease is drug investigations and criminal offences within the Drumheller Penitentiary. RCMP and Canadian Correction Services have been working closely together in Penitentiary related issues.
“There’s been a lot of good work done and inmates are realizing they will be held accountable for their behaviour in prison,” said Corporal Charles.
There are some areas that have risen during the spring and summer.
The RCMP are cracking down on distracted driving within their jurisdiction. Last fall legislation was passed making distracted driving an offense. Most incidents of distracted driving involve drivers using electronic devices, especially mobile phones, while driving.
After a large decrease immediately after the legislation was passed, RCMP have observed an increasing number of motorists using electronics while driving.
“They were doing really well last fall, but now people are back on their phones. We are going to increase enforcement and keep writing tickets. Most everyone knows it’s illegal. They have to understand there are consequences whether it be a fine or collision,” said Corporal Charles.
Property crime, particularly tagging and graffiti, rose sharply during the spring and early summer. Recently the number of incidents has fallen.
“We had a bit of an issue with graffiti but, it’s subsided for now,” said Corporal Charles.
There have also been an increased number of false alarms and false 911 calls.
“Sometimes people don’t know who to call, so they call 911 or they pocket dial and that ties up resources. Everyone has to know what 911 is for and that is to report an emergency. If you want to file a complaint with the local police, call the police complaint number in the jurisdiction you’re in. As for pocket dials you have to be careful. Know you phone and what each button does. If there’s a way to lock the screen or key pad, do so. It’ll save a lot of time for 911 dispatch and emergency services,” said Corporal Charles.
False 911 calls can have far reaching consequences. In the case of pocket dials especially, those calls must be investigated, which ties up officers, which could be dangerous if a real emergency were to occur.
The last trend is a large increase in the number of traffic enforcement incidents.
“Traffic enforcement is up, the number of tickets issued has nearly doubled compared to this time last year. With fewer calls for service, the members have more time to get out there to do traffic services and hopefully prevent more collisions,” said Corporal Charles.
The RCMP are going to be focusing on impaired driving for the immediate future.
“We are looking at impaired driving this month. There is new legislation in September with the immediate roadside sanctions,” said Corporal Charles. “Hopefully we can, not only catch impaired drivers, but prevent them as well.”
