Alicia Wallace
Rossland News
The latest City of Rossland Crime Statistics snapshot was presented to the City at the Ordinary Council meeting on Nov. 10. Sergeant Oelke of Trail and District Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) presented the report brief, which summarises incidences of 13 crime categories from January to June, 2014 within the City of Rossland.
There were no incidences of murder, non-sexual assaults, robbery, attempted break and enter, traffic related offences involving accidents, or impaired driving. The only difference from 2013 within these crime categories was non-sexual assaults, where three incidences occurred in the previous year. In relation to murder, Sergeant Oelke explained that the Feeney Homicide did not fall within the report data collection area, and was assigned to another neighbouring region.
One incident of sexual assault was reported. This compares to two reports of sexual assault for the 12 months in 2012, and no reported cases in 2013.
Break and enter has decreased from previous years, with only one case being reported in the first six months of 2014.
The City of Rossland saw an increase in theft, mischief and possession of stolen property. 24 incidences have been reported in this category, up from 16 in 2013. Sergeant Oelke explained to Council that the 24 reported incidences may have been attributed to a small number of individuals, rather than there being 24 offenders.
Two drug offences were reported, down from four for the first six months of 2013. Sergeant Oelke mentioned that drug offences are often found by default, following investigations of reports of other unlawful activities.
The other categories receiving reports were in relation to motor vehicles. One theft of motor vehicle incident was recorded, while six total reportable property damage accidents were reported. The Sergeant did not provide any further insight in relation to these categories.
“Rossland has always had a lower crime rate and this year was a little bit down from other years,” said Sergeant Oelke.
Sergeant Oelke served the Kooetnay region from 1993 until 2006, before being posted to the Prince George region for eight years. He returned home this year to the role of Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge.
To report a non-emergency crime call the local RCMP on (250) 364-2566. For all emergencies call 911.
Alicia Wallace
Rossland News