LAC LA BICHE - Lac La Biche RCMP had a busy start to the new year, according to their review of January files.
According to the recent report, local RCMP members responded to 565 files to start 2023. The numbers are about 20 per cent higher than the previous month, but similar to November statistics.
Lac La Biche RCMP Const. Jordan Walker says that a quarter of January's files related to property crimes and a third were traffic-related. Those and other matters kept RCMP members busy in the jurisdiction, he said, offering a partial listing of some specific file numbers
Lac La Biche RCMP occurrence breakdown :
34 Assaults
10 Uttering Threats
6 Criminal Harassment
20 Break and Enters
15 Theft of Motor Vehicle
2 Theft over $5000
21 Theft under $5000
16 Possession stolen property
7 Frauds
1 Arson
16 Mischief damage to property
16 General mischief
13 Mental Health Act
4 Alcohol related impaired driving
"Although this list is not inclusive, it offers a small snapshot into some of the investigations that Lac La Biche RCMP lead during the month of January," Walker tells Lakeland This Week.
Lock it up
With property crimes continuing to be a leading file, Walker says residents can help to reduce those numbers by reducing opportunities for criminal activity. In January alone, the local detachment responded to 15 stolen vehicle files.
"Lac La Biche RCMP want to remind motorists to never leave their keys in the vehicle unattended and to always lock their doors," said Walker, adding that February has been designated as an awareness month to reduce vehicle thefts.
RCMP members have been patrolling several area neighbourhoods in recent weeks, looking for unattended, idling vehicles. Some residents may have read about it.
"During 'Operation Cold Start,' residents of Lac La Biche may have received a flyer under their windshield wipers from RCMP members who were on foot patrol and were checking for signs of unlocked idling vehicles," said Walker. "Over the span of several days Lac La Biche RCMP members found nine vehicles that were left unlocked with the keys in the ignition."
On the same parols, 67 vehicles were located idling with keys in ignition that were secure or using command start.
Walker and the local RCMP are urging community members to secure their personal belongings and protect themselves against theft. The RCMP are also continuing to urge residents to call in any suspicious activity they see in the community.
'Lac La Biche RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future," he said. "If you see a crime in progress, dial 911 or call the local complaint line at 780-623-4380."
