2021 First Quarter Crime Statistics Show Positive Trend

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

News Release For immediate release Quesnel, BC May 20, 2021   2021 First Quarter Crime Statistics Show Positive Trend The City of Quesnel has increased its commitment to public safety over the last several years by adding additional RCMP and Bylaw Officers. Following a budget survey in 2020 which showed that additional policing was strongly supported by the public, Council added two officers to its RCMP detachment (from 21 to 23 members) and increased its Bylaw complement to 4.5 staff members. The additional RCMP personnel allowed the Quesnel Detachment’s prolific offenders team to be fully staffed on a consistent basis. The additional Bylaw Enforcement Officers complement the RCMP’s efforts by working more closely with them to address public safety concerns, particularly in the downtown core. The City has received feedback from downtown merchants that they appreciate the improved retail environment due to the increased enforcement efforts. “A fully staffed RCMP and the support of the City’s additional Bylaw Enforcement capacity allows our officers to address public safety concerns more proactively,” said S.Sgt. Darren Dodge. “The prolific offenders program, our summer bike program, and our serious crime unit are now able to be fully staffed.” Quesnel RCMP Crime statistics saw a dip in the first quarter of 2021 when compared to 2020, seeing significantly fewer property crimes. Break & Enter: Residential - down 48% Commercial - down 59% From Motor Vehicles - down 71% Shoplifting - down 33% While not all policing stats show such a positive trendline, property crimes are clearly on the decline. “City Council is very pleased to see these developments,” says Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson “but there is still work to do to create long term, sustainable change. The need for additional resources for both police and bylaw was a necessary step, but we need to continuing taking strong actions to ensure Quesnel remains a safe place to live for all of its citizens.” More information: To contact the Quesnel RCMP or to report a crime please visit: https://www.quesnel.ca/municipal-services/emergency-services/rcmp To contact Bylaw Enforcement please visit: https://www.quesnel.ca/municipal-services/bylaw-enforcement