Vanderhoof’s RCMP detachment received 82 calls this week — a standard amount in comparison to the rest of the year, Sgt. Svend Nielsen said.
The number of prisoners in custody will remain high these months, as the police remains proactive in conducting checks for the recently revamped crime reduction program, Nielsen added. Implemented in November and focused on repeating offenders, the program brings to jail individuals with past history, leading to longer custody time for some.
Vanderhoof results from National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day
On Dec. 4, the local detachment joined other RCMP members across Canada for an enforcement blitz on impaired driving.
With individual vehicle stops, as well as two major road blocks for a total of three hours — two hours in daytime and one hour at night — the police checked over 150 vehicles over the course of the day.
Impaired drivers - none
Though there were many intoxicated individuals in vehicles, most of which had designated drivers.
Expired insurance tickets - none
Prohibited driver - one
Notices for vehicle defects - 11
“It was a successful campaign, as we didn’t find anything,” Nielsen said.
Snow arrives, accident numbers up
The latest snowfall increased the number of accidents as well, with four reported alone on Dec. 9, Nielsen said.
“Posted speed limits are maximum in ideal condition, not the starting point,” he said.
Recounting an accident where a vehicle, swerving slightly in regular speed, slid off the road and rolled over, Nielsen added, “People think it won’t happen to them.”
Trailer fire
On Dec. 7 at 9 a.m., a fire was reported at an abandoned trailer in C.J.’s Trailer Park.
Contained quickly by fire crews, the fire first appeared suspicious, with an overturned gas tank, but the cause was found to be an electrical issue with overhead lighting.
Scene security was set up for five hours, with a forensic expert from the RCMP to conduct investigations.
- with files from Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Vanderhoof RCMP