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Is petty crime rising amid Trail RCMP's decline in service calls?

The lack of tangible solutions for petty crimes like these may deter formal reports, leading to underrepresented statistics.
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Over the last week of September an unknown perpetrator tried to break into the Trail Times' back room by tearing through the drywall of the adjacent downtown business.

The Trail Times faced another instance of petty crime over the first weekend of January, coinciding with the Trail RCMP’s release of fourth-quarter and year-end statistics showing fewer calls for service.

This timing prompted staff to question whether the reported data accurately reflects reality, or if the business community has grown resigned to these aggravating crimes and instead of reporting them, is choosing to absorb the associated out-of-pocket costs.

One pressing concern stems from incidents like the previous year’s fire set at the back entrance of the Times office. 

The fire caused a pervasive smoky odour in the archives (the “morgue” of old papers and photos) and compounded ongoing issues such as the stench of urine from the back alley and repeatedly broken locks on garbage and recycling dumpsters. 

Reinforced bars have since replaced the locks and the reek of urine has abated, but problems persist. 

In late September, during the Times’ move downstairs to accommodate the adjacent dance studio’s expansion, another troubling incident occurred. 

An intruder jimmied open the back door of the studio (since reinforced), entered, and broke through drywall in an apparent attempt to access the Times’ side of the building. 

Staff returned on Monday, Oct. 2, to find debris strewn across the studio-side and a gaping hole in the wall. 

Most recently, over the first weekend of January, someone set fire to the newspapers (Advertiser) the Times traditionally left in a box outside the front door for 24/7 pickup. 

As a result, newspaper pickup is now restricted to office hours. 

After reporting only one of these acts, and further reflecting on these incidents, staff wondered whether other businesses are also questioning, “What’s the point of reporting?” 

The lack of tangible solutions for petty crimes like these may deter formal reports, leading to underrepresented statistics.

Anecdotally, however, the perception is that petty crime is rising. 

Seeking clarity, the Times asked Sgt. Mike Wicentowich: “Are petty crimes like this actually down, or are people just not reporting them anymore?” 

Sgt. Wicentowich responded, “I believe the new shelter and our nurse have reduced these kinds of occurrences. We will probably get a better picture over the long term.” 

He acknowledged that minor crimes often go unreported, a consistent but not new phenomenon. 

“There is some lack of reporting and pursuing charges for shoplifting, as it usually involves small amounts and little penalty,” he added. 

2024 Crime Statistics Overview 

Sgt. Wicentowich noted that 2024 saw the fewest calls for service in the past five years, with a reduction of approximately 350 calls compared to prior years. 

He attributed this to the new 25-bed shelter and support from a mental health nurse, which redirected some calls from police to healthcare systems and other agencies. 

Looking ahead, Wicentowich anticipates more collaboration between law enforcement and outside organizations to address crime and related issues. 

When it comes to serious crimes like sexual assault, Wicentowich observed an increase in reporting, which he attributed to improved partnerships with local organizations that make it easier for survivors to come forward. 

“We still have a lot of work to do, but we hope all survivors can come forward to the police to tell their story,” he said. 

One statistic not included in the 2024 data but expected to appear in 2025 is the “Fail to Appear” category. 

Last year, there were 115 instances where individuals missed court dates, prompting arrest warrants and other legal actions. 

“Trail RCMP, like other policing jurisdictions, are routinely arresting and managing clients who fail to appear for their court matters and their trials,” Wicentowich explained. 

“This has proved quite a burden for the police and may contribute to the perception of a revolving door justice system.” 

He highlighted the logistical and administrative strain of conducting release and bail hearings from within police cell blocks, often requiring officers to facilitate multiple court hearings weekly. 

“Unfortunately, this can remove officers from the road and their main duties,” he said, adding that most individuals are released back into the community despite missed court dates or new offences. 

While acknowledging the presumption of innocence, Wicentowich emphasized the challenge this presents for managing police resources. 

“We anticipate this task continuing through 2025,” he concluded. 



Sheri Regnier

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