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RCMP in Powell River welcomes community assistance

Crime statistics for September an upward trend
Powell River RCMP constable Ron Palmquist
COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Powell River RCMP constable Ron Palmquist encourages residents to report suspicious activity to the RCMP and to use caution and common sense when posting such information to social media channels. Those interested in becoming involved in community policing such as Block Watch or Citizens on Patrol can contact him at the detachment. Peak archive photo

If it appears there have been more thefts and break-ins lately, that would be correct, according to Powell River RCMP staff sergeant Rod Wiebe. Comparing statistics for the month of September 2017 with those of last month shows a marked increase.

“In September of 2018, Powell River RCMP responded to 22 reports of break and enters within our jurisdiction compared to six in September of 2017,” said Wiebe in an email. “Overall property crime as a whole is up 18 per cent year to date.”

While this is a trend district wide, Powell River is currently above average.

“Police have made several arrests in relation to these [break and enters] and are continuing to investigate,” he added.

As social media is increasingly used by individuals to alert their neighbours and greater community about suspicious activities, constable Ron Palmquist said he urges residents to use common sense around what they post, particularly when it comes to pictures, and to make sure they also alert police.

“As a basic rule people should be cautious about doing that; a lot of the times people will put things up on social media sites and don’t even contact the police,” he said. “Really the best thing to do is let us know immediately so we can get out there at the time this person has been seen in the area and investigate.”

The RCMP also welcomes people interested in community policing to get in touch with members at the detachment.

“Residents know their neighbourhood best,” said Wiebe. “Citizens on Patrol is a program that has been of benefit in the past during times such as this and is a very viable tool.”

Those interested in a neighbourhood watch program can contact Palmquist at the Community Policing Unit. To report a crime or suspicious activity, call the detachment at 604.485.6255 or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477).