Crime statistics between 2006 and 2011 were released recently, showing a decrease in crime rate in most categories, and a slight increase in persons crime rate.
“These statistics represent reported crimes, and the overall crime rate in Red Deer for the last six years,” said Director of Community Services Greg Scott. “They are one tool we use to assess crime in the community, and help us to develop a work plan with the RCMP and other community agencies to develop strategies and alternatives related to community safety for all residents.”
The number of criminal code offences in the City remained fairly consistent over the last six years.
The rate for property crime decreased 16% over six years, and the crime rate for persons crime increased 3%.
Persons crime includes offences such as homicide, robbery, and assault, and property crimes includes break and enter, motor vehicle theft, and theft over and under $5,000.
“There were six homicides in the City in 2011, and these tragic incidents do have a direct impact on our crime statistics,” said RCMP Supt. Warren Dosko. “These incidents influence both the crime rate and the crime severity index, which takes into consideration the severity of the incident.”
One of the areas Red Deer City council’s strategic direction focuses on is safety.
Crime is just one piece of this work with City administration and council working to identify the role policing, perceptions of safety, crime prevention and community involvement can have on safety in the community.
“Crime is just one factor in measuring the overall safety of a community. Red Deer is a safe community, and we are committed to the continued delivery of community safety initiatives, which involves everyone from police to businesses, community agencies and citizens,” said Mayor Morris Flewwelling.
In August, council approved funding for the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT), a specialized unit combining provincial and local officers that targets organized crime in Central Alberta.
“The Crime Prevention and Policing Review was a start for coming up with options and alternatives related to community safety,” said Scott. “That work continues, and we are developing a strategy to work with the community and develop solutions that will work for Red Deer.”
-Weber
