RCMP Inspector Ryan How. (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Alyssa Rudolph

2025 RCMP REPORT

Battleford crime falls, though underreporting remains a concern

Feb 3, 2026 | 4:41 PM

While new 2025 RCMP data shows a decrease in crime for the town of Battleford, officials warn underreporting remains a concern.  

RCMP Inspector Ryan How worries that although accurate, statistics are not showing the whole story.  

“I have to be very clear that even though we are showing a reduction in crime, there is a lot of work to do. I have to keep reiterating this message publicly, that the public call in any suspicious activity, any criminal activity so we can have an accurate picture on what’s going on,” he said.  

Over the year, 1,091 cases were documented in the town, which shows a 13 per cent decrease over the past five years. That’s something Mayor Ames Leslie said he is glad to see, but he also remains cautious knowing many crimes are likely not being reported. 

“We see on social media all the time, ‘Hey, car shoppers on First Avenue’. Well, call the RCMP. Tell the RCMP that there’s car shoppers on First Avenue; don’t put it on social media, that doesn’t accomplish anything,” he said.  

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The report specifically highlights a 12 per cent decrease in persons offences and a 29 per cent decrease in property crimes. 

“Down in assaults is good because he [Inspector How] said most people will report those. They don’t want to let that go; that’s a very good sign,” Leslie said.  

Recently, Battlefords RCMP has assigned a patrol route to monitor the town. That patrol has not majorly affected crime statistics; however, efforts have not gone unseen.  

“I think it is definitely sending the message that whenever you see a branded vehicle inside your community, you don’t want to be committing crimes. So, maybe it’s more crime prevention than anything.” 

“That has been council’s ask is to have more presence in the town, even if you just sit and have coffee, just having that branded RCMP vehicle in our community kind of makes people aware that they’re here. So, we really appreciate that,” Leslie said. 

Similar to the Battleford Fire Department’s 2025 report, there were increases in false alarms and vehicle collisions. Leslie said seeing that similarity is reassuring. 

Town representatives hope to continue seeing a downward trend this year, while reminding the public to report every crime that occurs.  

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com