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No major problems on May long weekend: Terrace RCMP

Officers took proactive approach: extra manpower and very visible police presence

IT WAS a fairly quiet May long weekend thanks to Terrace RCMP'S proactive approach of extra manpower and a high police presence early on, reports the detachment today, May 24.

“We wanted to ensure that there wasn’t a repeat of what happened last year at Hart Farm and Red Sands camping spots. We partnered with the Ministry of Forestry, who imposed a ban on alcohol for these key areas. We also worked closely with staff at Lakelse Lake to stay on top of things, “ says Staff Sergeant Rob Pritchett, non-commissioned officer in charge of operations Terrace RCMP Detachment.

Last year, police reported dealing with a number of incidents stemming from the Red Sands area.

The Crime Reduction Unit, general duty members, auxiliary members, and Ministry of Environment conservation officers conducted roadblocks on Kalum Lake Forest Service Road and Hwy 113 at Deep Creek on Friday, May 18 starting at 1 p.m. that continued on Saturday, May 19.

Approximately 153 vehicles where checked, resulting in one 24 hour driver’s licence suspension for being intoxicated by drug, one vehicle impound, and two unlicenced drivers.

No calls for service were received from any of the forestry campsites including Hart Farm or Red Sands.

Two campsites where evicted at Furlong Bay due to underage consumption of liquor.

“[A] majority of the campers were families. We attribute the lack of problems to a high police visibility very early on to set the tone. We will be doing the same next year, and expect to see the same results. Families will have the opportunity to enjoy some of British Columbia’s best camping areas and feel safe doing so, “ added Pritchett.

And the Nass Valley saw minimal issues as well, according to the Lisims/Nass Valley RCMP detachment commander.

“May long weekend was quiet here as well. In all, our file (case) count is down from last year this time,” said Sgt. Donovan Tait, adding that crime reduction efforts are paying off.