Battlefords RCMP Insp. Jesse Gilbert. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

NB council

RCMP crime stats shows latest numbers down overall

May 15, 2024 | 7:49 PM

Crime statistics in North Battleford are seeing a downward trend, based on the last quarterly report from the RCMP.

Insp. Jesse Gilbert presented the report for January to March 2024 at city council’s meeting this week. He was pleased to see the numbers going down in many categories.

The North Battleford municipal detachment experienced a 19 per cent overall decline, with 3,161 calls for service for the period this year, compared to 3,894 calls the same time last year.

In the past five years, total offences have declined by four per cent.

Firearms offences were down by three-quarters, with three reports for the current period, versus 12 for the same period last year.

FSIN

Chief Bobby Cameron re-elected for fourth term as FSIN Chief

7h ago

Battleford Municipal Election

Laing seeks fourth term on Battleford Council

8h ago

Softball Sask Hall of Fame

'I just wanted to give back': Local softball legend gets rewarded for her years of dedication

9h ago

Crimes against persons dropped by 36 per cent, with 254 reports for January to March, compared to 396 reports for the same time in 2023.

Property offences were down 19 per cent, with 818 reports for the period in 2024, while there were 1,013 reports for the same period last year.

North Battleford Mayor David Gillan said he was encouraged by the drop in numbers in many categories especially to see major issues such as firearms and sexual assault [reports] down.

“It’s always a positive thing when you see that,” he said.

The mayor was also pleased to see how the RCMP is working within its own units, whether provincial or city teams, all working together.

“I think Insp. Gilbert really has done a great job since he’s been here, pulling all the resources in one direction,” Gillan said. “Even though he doesn’t necessarily command everybody that’s in the [RCMP] building, but at least he has everybody working in the same direction.”

—

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow