Crime numbers in both Smithers and Telkwa saw double digit drops across the board in 2015.
In Smithers, property crime fell 11% while violent crime dropped 10% compared to 2014. Drug and alcohol related files also fell 13.7%
Total criminal code cases involving youth decreased by 21.4%. Youth involvement in traffic offenses including impaired operation of a motor vehicle and shoplifting increase slightly.
In Telkwa, the numbers were even more dramatic with property crime falling 28%, with violent crime being down 17%.
The numbers were presented to Telkwa Council this week.
“Overall it was good news to see the numbers and the statistics are on a decrease.” Mayor Darcy Repen said “I hope that’s reflecting an awareness in the community that some of this behaviour are definitely not acceptable.”
Given some well publicized struggles Telkwa has had with vandalism lately, Repen is happy to see the numbers actually reflect a decline.
“We have some initiatives that we are looking at, in terms of involving the community and kids in some art and decoration of the community so they have some more pride in it.”
However mounties in Telkwa did deal with 42% more non criminal calls, including car accidents, false alarms and traffic complaints.