Staff sergeant at the Carlyle RCMP detachment says 2013 was a good year for his staff and believes people are starting care which is helping to drive crime rates down.
In an interview with the Observer Staff Sergant Tom Van der Zwan spoke about 2013 and what kind of year it was for the Carlyle team.
"For 2013 I think the guys had a pretty good year, over all I think crime statistics are down which is a good thing," he said.
"I also think they're starting to see a lot more public involvement, people reporting crimes as welland helping to resolve those."
According to latest report from Statistics Canada the overall police reported crime rate has decreased 3 per cent which is a record low since 1972. The drop is a result of declines in offences such as mischief and car theft. But in 2012 homicide numbers stood at 543 which is 55 less than the year before and Van der Zwan says Carlyle is also seeing a decrease its crime numbers. He explained that he will be able to deliver exact numbers in early 2014 but explained that things are looking good for the town and spoke of one the highlights of the year.
"One of the big highlights is, by the end of this year (2013) we'll be fully staffed, all our positions will be filled," he said, which will further assist in serving the community efficiently. The staff currently has 12 members needing only one more to be fully complimented.
"As for next year we just hope to continue on so crime statistics go down."
Other aspect of the report showed that vehicle thefts dropped 7 per cent and the rate of break and enters fell 4 per cent in 2012. It also showed that the number of young people accused of a crime decreased by 7 per cent. As well as fewer drunk driving offences which is attributed to the new rules in B.C. Although there were fewer overall violent crimes in 2012, Statistics Canada showed that there was an increase in certain offences such as sexual violations against children, extortion and violent firearm incidents.
The sergeant who joined the detachment six months ago said there will always be certain crimes present in the area, such as drug abuse and mischief but explained employment is playing a big role in pushing the numbers down.
"Our economy has a lot to do with that as well, it's relatively strong and people are employed," he said.Van der Zwan also shared his thoughts on the town and its people as well as giving his best wishes for the holidays.
"It s a nice town, the people are great, very friendly, open easy to talk with and I can't see any reason anybody wouldn't want to come here. I wish everybody a merry Christmas and all the best for the new year." he said.
