Several of Terrace's crime rates seem to be booming along with the economy.
Terrace RCMP detachment commander Dana Hart told council at the April 22 meeting that in the first quarter of 2013 the total number of police files has risen by 145 compared to the same period in 2012.
After hearing this first quarterly report council decided to have a further meeting with legal officials to find solutions to the rising local crime rates.
“Issues with property crime is up,” Hart said, “and also liquor-related offences.”
In Terrace 320 people were brought in for public intoxication between January to March and incidences of property crime—including the recent spate of graffiti—were up by more than 50 files.
Family violence is another problem in Terrace, Hart told council.
Councillor Stacy Tyers mentioned that when it comes to vandalism and graffiti, “each time the media reports it and we give it attention publicly it's validating it,” noting that graffiti got worse after it was reported in the media recently.
Mayor Dave Pernarowski said that he finds the issue of property crime and family violence alarming considering the need to accommodate more and more people as the economy continues to expand in the region.
He also pointed out that it was telling how the subject of graffiti dominated the council debate while Hart's mention of family violence being a top concern was passed over quickly.
Councillor James Cordeiro put forth the motion at the end of the meeting to bring in government prosecutors and other lawyers to speak to council in the hopes that in the future justice can be better served with regards to public crime in Terrace.
Council was in agreement on this plan.