Crime statistics recently released show overall crime was down 13.2% in the third quarter of 2013.

“This continued downward trend is due, in part, to council’s investment in crime and safety over the last year,” said City Manager Craig Curtis. “We expect to continue seeing this number decrease in the fourth quarter and into 2014 as we further explore community safety, crime prevention and policing in the coming year.”

The City saw 25.9% fewer total ‘persons crime’ over this time last year with 18.2% fewer year-to- date. This includes everything from offences such as homicide, robbery, and assault. Total property crimes are also down 6.3% over this time last year with 8.3%, year-to-date. This includes offences such as break and enter, arson and fraud.

Offences such as kidnapping/hostage/abduction have seen a rise. So far this year there have been 34 reported cases. Last year from January to date there was 28 reported cases of kidnapping/hostage/abduction related incidents – and increase of 21.4%.

Theft of motor vehicles have also increased. So far this year there have been 551 cases reported to the RCMP whereas from January to October last year there were 438 reported incidents.

Reported cases of arson has also increased. Since January of this year there have been 32 cases of reported arson in comparison to 27 reported cases during the same time frame in 2012 – an increase of 18.5%.

Reported incidents of extortion has also increased this year. Since January there have been 11 cases which is up 37.5% from the same time frame last year when there was eight reported incidents.

Overall, the City saw 10.5% fewer criminal code offences year to date. Crime statistics are released on a quarterly basis in April, July, October and January.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com