Vanderhoof’s local RCMP detachment lodged 76 files, which included 13 prisoners, in the past week.
Police open house
On May 19, Vanderhoof’s local RCMP detachment is opening its doors for tours from schools as well as the general public to celebrate National Police Week.
The last police open house in Vanderhoof took place two years ago with a good turnout, and it’s opportunity for the local RCMP detachment to build relations and meet the community in a positive way, said Cpl. Wade Harvey.
“We want people to understand that we are approachable, and to feel comfortable coming to us and provide information,” Harvey said.
See NATIONAL POLICE WEEK, page 10
Local officers receive regional recognition
On May 12, Cst. Justine Ramsey, Cst. Khoa Nguyen, and Cpl. Wade Harvey received a commendation in Prince George for their assistance in apprehending a man who attempted suicide last year.
The man was parked across the railway tracks on Burrard Avenue on April 22, 2015, intending to end his life, Harvey explained.
After a standoff with five officers, including Cpl. Justin Thiessen (who have since transferred to Prince George) and Cst. James Potyok in Fraser Lake, that lasted for about two hours — a train was stopped — the man, armed with a knife, was ultimately brought into custody and taken into the hospital unharmed.
“The risk that he would harm himself was extremely high, based on the circumstances,” Harvey said. “Fortunately, two hours of de-escalating discussion was effective, and the file had the best possible outcome.
“The fact that there was high risk to the civilian means there would be high risk to the officers involved.”
Property crime spike
Several hundred dollars to over $15,000 worth of items and damage were incurred in six confirmed cases of theft and break-and-enter — the majority of which involved businesses — in the past week.
“It’s important for people to be vigilant by securing items, being aware of where their belongings are, and making sure that video surveillance systems are working,” Harvey said.
Private and business owners are advised to keep a record of some items’ serial numbers, in order to prove that a recovered item was the stolen one, he added.
A year ago, the district also saw an increase in residential break-and-enter cases, and investigation continues for this year’s spike.
Assault
A violent assault causing bodily harm occurred in Saik’uz First Nation on May 9.
The victim has been released from the hospital, and the accused individual is in custody, the police said.
- with files from Cpl. Wade Harvey, Vanderhoof RCMP