Vanderhoof’s RCMP detachment lodged 62 files, including 8 prisoners, this week. Though the figures are typically low for November and December, the number of files has decreased significantly with the milder weather. Fraser Lake, however, has suffered more collisions per capita than Vanderhoof this past week, said Cpl. Wade Harvey.
Crime reduction program
For breach files, Vanderhoof’s police lodged 16 this November, while there were only three in November last year. The increase is due to the reinvigoration of the detachment’s crime reduction program by Cpl. Cameron Fergusson, who has expertise in this field, Harvey said.
Including curfew compliance checks every night, the idea of the program is to reduce crime by focussing police attention on the small number of individuals who are responsible for the majority of the police files in the region.
“It’s a three-prong approach,” Harvey said. “The underlying message [to these offenders] is one, change what you are doing; two, leave our town; or three, go back to jail.”
For the offenders who are interested in changing their lifestyle or remove themselves from the criminal elements, the police can provide them with information and access to programs for moving, seeking employment, or treatment.
“Ultimately, they can change their ways and be part of the society in a positive way,” Harvey said.
- with files from Cpl. Wade Harvey, Vanderhoof RCMP