RCMP files were down 10 per cent in Terrace in 2020 compared to 2019, and the detachment is attributing the drop to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Terrace RCMP’s fourth quarter report was presented by Inspector Jason Lucash to Terrace city council at a regular meeting on Jan. 25.
From Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2020, Terrace RCMP investigated close to 3,000 files. Most of those were within the City of Terrace (2,262), and there were 628 rural files. Those figures are a drop of 10 per cent and nine per cent respectively compared to the same time period in 2019.
Miscellaneous offences and assists to the general public increased from 249 to 257, but the number of false alarms dropped by more than half.
Compared to the same period in 2019, there was a 58 per cent decrease in theft and damage to Terrace properties from October to the end of 2020, and “persons offences” which include assault, threats and homicides dropped by 41 per cent.
Coun. James Cordeiro asked Lucash how many property offences were committed by repeat offenders. Lucash responded that, overall, approximately 90 per cent of calls to the Terrace detachment are the result of 10 per cent of the local population.
The RCMP’s General Investigative Section is working on two homicide investigations, an ongoing child pornography investigation of a Terrace resident, a firearms trafficking investigation and a possession/trafficking of a controlled substance investigation.
In December, the Terrace detachment removed 32 impaired drivers from the roadway and six unlicensed or prohibited drivers had their vehicles impounded during the provincial winter impared driving campaign.
Coun. Sean Bujtas asked how the impaired driving campaign numbers compare to previous years. Lucash said those numbers are down this year as people are socializing and driving less due to the pandemic.
@BenBogstie
ben.bogstie@terracestandard.com
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