It’s been the busiest year ever for the Ucluelet RCMP.
During a Sept.According to detachment commander Sgt. evin Smith told council that calls are 20 per cent higher than the highest file count on record.
“We just had file 1,200 a couple days ago. That’s a lot for a five-member detachment to handle that many files. That’s about 12 calls per 1,000 people in the community,” Sgt. Smith said, who transferred to Ucluelet from Masset on Haida Gwaii six months ago.
Sgt. Smith would like to see another constable added to the detachment.
“The last time we got a new member was 1983. The town has changed just a little since then,” he said. “With me working by myself and 1,000 people on Long Beach, there is not a lot I can do. Hopefully we can get more resources this year.”
In three months, Island district traffic removed 86 impaired drivers, issued 200 violation tickets, and about 1,000 warnings.
Threat calls are up 42 per cent.
“I think that has a lot to do with a lot of people are tired and worn out. It’s been a long go. and people have short fuses, which has led to quite a few threats and argument files,” Sgt. Smith said.
Fraud is 30 per cent, property theft is down four per cent and mischief (ie: loud parties) is down 10 per cent. Assaults are down 19 per cent.
A majority of the files are alcohol related, according to Sgt. Smith.
“Any work we can to do reduce the harm and develop opportunities to get people help that they need is great,” he said.
Council unanimously approved a motion to write a letter of support for additional members of RCMP service for the District of Ucluelet.
nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca
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