Chestermere RCMP Staff Sergeant Mark Wielgosz reported a 12 per cent decrease in calls for service in quarter two from last year, during the Nov. 17 Regular Meeting of Council.
In quarter two, the Chestermere detachment responded to 844 calls for service, down from 961 the year prior.
“Factors include work from home arrangements, self-isolation, significant distancing between individuals, less resulting traffic and close interactions, closed businesses or businesses just reopening after phase two of the provincial relaunch and decreased recreational activity and travel options,” Wielgosz said.
In quarter two, preventable crimes were reduced from last year, as there was a 56 per cent decrease in break and enters in homes, a 15 per cent decrease in theft of motor vehicles, and a 43 per cent decrease in theft from motor vehicles.
“It’s positive ground that’s been made. We do see some effect of COVID-19 on some of the regular day-to-day habits of our residents, but these are positive outcomes and we’re certainly looking to maintain that,” Wielgosz said.
Chestermere RCMP are continuing with objectives and activities to reduce crimes by another seven per cent this year, through programs including the Habitual Offender Management program, Persons of Interest, Voluntary Registry of Home Surveillance, Security Screw Program, and Construction Site Safety Crime Prevention Program.
Six habitual offenders were monitored during quarter two. However, some left the program because they were remanded in custody on serious charges, sentenced to a lengthy jail time, or their monitoring conditions expired.
Chestermere RCMP have received reports of issues on construction sites, however, with the cooperation of developers, RCMP members are able to monitor high-value items on the sites.
Chestermere RCMP’s second priority in quarter two was traffic safety.
RCMP members issued 298 violations, seven impaired drivers were removed from Chestermere roads, and two drivers were issued alcohol or drug suspensions.
“The Enhanced Road Safety Initiative was restated in July and we’re ramping the program back up to ensure we’re maintaining safe roads,” Wielgosz said.
Throughout quarter two, Chestermere members documented 21 school visits.
The majority of the visits were conducted during September for back to school activities, an update of SAFE plans, and introductions of school liaison members to staff and students.
Through the summer, Chestermere RCMP completed 21 scheduled lake patrols, 653 vessels were checked, and 47 safety inspection decals were issued.
Throughout the entire summer, 985 vessels were inspected, and 61 safety inspection decals were issued.
Chestermere RCMP conducted regular patrols of parks and green spaces in a number of different formats such as the Community Standards Initiative, bike patrols, and regular foot patrols.
During the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, patrols were enhanced which also included regular presence in public spaces and businesses.
“Overall it was a very successful summer program. Everyone was safe, and we had no injuries on the lake,” Wielgosz said.
