Pubdate: Wed, 26 Nov 2014
Source: Alberni Valley Times (CN BC)
Page: 3
Copyright: 2014 Glacier Community Media
Contact:  http://www.avtimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4043
Author: Eric Plummer

CRIME FALLS IN OCTOBER, BUT DRUG CALLS INCREASE

Local crime numbers from October show a decline in calls for service,
bringing a more manageable workload for the Port Alberni RCMP.

Reports to the local detachment normally peak in the summer months, as
traffic through Port Alberni increases. After calls for service
reached 934 in August, the autumn has brought a decline with 859
incidents in September and 845 last month.

"Our calls for service came down to more normalized numbers, which
really has eased some of the pressures on the detachment," said Insp.
Mac Richards of the Port Alberni RCMP.

The number of reported thefts did increase to 77 in October - 15 more
than the previous month. Included in these incidents was the robbery
of a 7-Eleven at Johnston Road and Gertrude on Halloween night, an
alleged incident that led to the arrest of a two teenagers on Nov. 14
when another 7-Eleven was reportedly held up at Third Avenue and Mar.

Despite the robbery incident, Oct. 31 was relatively
uneventful.

"Calls for service were below what had been anticipated and were of a
minor nature," stated Richards in a crime report for council.
"Assistance in ensuring a safe night was provided by volunteers with
various RCMP programs and community groups."

The number of drug incidents handled by police over October was not
minor, peaking for this year with 34 calls for service. Seizures
continued this month when two men from Nanaimo were found at 10th
Avenue and Redford on Nov. 5 transporting a "substantial quantity" of
crystal mephamphetamine and heroin, reported local police.

October's criminal activity resulted in 39 cases for the local
detachment's Victim Services Unit, which assists those subject to
harmful incidents.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D