Vernon RCMP Say 2nd Quarter Crime Down Year To Year

Aug 8, 2018 | 11:33 AM

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP have released their 2nd quarter report for 2018, showing a decrease in both Criminal Code offences and property crime compared with the same period last year.

Criminal code offences dropped by 9.64 per cent and property crime was down 14.34 per cent.

In the city of Vernon, both residential and commercial break-ins were down, while thefts from vehicles were up slightly.

Also, in response to a spike in auto thefts in Vernon, the detachment’s Crime Reduction Unit coordinated an investigation that resulted in identifying a suspect responsible for several auto thefts.

That person was charged with possession of property obtained by crime on five separate files and the matter is before the courts.

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The report also shows that assaults in the city of Vernon totalled 93 from April through June compared with 77 during the same time last year.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP conducted fewer road check stops from April through June compared with the same period last year.

The report shows road-check stops decreased from 39 last year in the 2nd quarter to 10 this year.

That’s a 74.36 per cent change.

There was also a decrease of 21.43 per cent in alcohol related traffic enforcement from 84 last year to 66 this year.

The report doesn’t explain the reduction.

It does show that in two road check stops in Vernon and Coldstream 45 impaired drivers were taken off the road by way of suspension or charge and two motorists were charged with distracted driving..

North Okanagan Rural office made 8 stops, suspending or charging 21 impaired drivers and 4 with distracted driving.

The report also notes seven officers from the detachment were recognized for their contribution in 2017 to Alexa’s team at a ceremony in Kelowna.

To qualify for Alexa’s team, a police officer must conduct a minimum of twelve impaired driving investigations during the year.

In other news, the General Investigation Section’s Serious Crimes Unit is involved in a number of cases including two shootings in May and a case in June in which an individual from Vernon was charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

That case is currently before the courts.

by Tom Mark