DIDSBURY - Both persons and property crimes were down in Didsbury in the first quarter of 2022 compared with the same period in 2021, according to RCMP statistics.
The RCMP fourth quarter report (January to March) was presented to town council at the recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held in person and on Youtube.
There were 78 reported person crimes between Jan. 1 and Mar. 31, down 36 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2021.
There are 17 property crimes reported, down from 20 in the same period 2021.
There were also 17 other Criminal Code offences reported, down from 32 in the first quarter of 2021.
There were 53 provincial code traffic offences report, down from 63 last years first quarter.
There were six controlled substance offences reported, down from 11 in the same period last year.
There was an increase in municipal bylaw offences, increasing from three to five, as well as 19 motor vehicle collisions, up from nine in the same period in 2021.
Didsbury RCMP detachment commander Stephen Browne said police continue to monitor habitual offenders in the area.
“Two habitual offenders were charged during the last quarter for failing to abide by their conditions as per release orders,” he said. “One offender is (soon) going for sentencing, which should reduce the town of Didsbury’s offender by one.
“One of Didsbury habitual offenders set to be released from jail but will most likely be residing Olds, but will be monitored by Didsdbury members in case they venture into the area.”
Airdrie and Innisfail traffic unites continue to conduct traffic enforcement in the Didsbury detachment area, he noted.
“During this reporting period, 18 violation tickets were issued for moving and non-moving traffic offences,” he said.
Staff Sgt. Browne later told the Albertan that the downward trend in persons and property crimes has continued in the second quarter of 2022.
