Police Chief Jon Bergen discusses the September crime stats during Thursday's Board of Police Commissioners meeting. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime stats

Robberies and vehicle thefts see increases in September

Oct 21, 2021 | 11:19 AM

The Prince Albert Police Service is encouraging the public to be aware of their surroundings.

That’s because robberies were among the crimes that saw the biggest spikes last month in the city. According to statistics presented during Thursday’s Board of Police Commissioners meeting, there were 14. This compared to nine in September of 2020, and represented the highest number for that month in the past five years. Police Chief Jon Bergen explained the victims were individuals on the street, convenience store staff, and delivery drivers.

“A combination of weapons used, sometimes threats, and sometimes bear spray, a knife or a firearm,” he said, adding with respect to a recent incident that occurred, there was a person arrested and charged.

That being said, Bergen acknowledged the numbers are a concern.

“Being aware of your surroundings is one of our messages to the public and just making sure you are taking a good look around; if it doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not the right place to be,” he said.

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Thefts of motor vehicles also continues to trend upwards in 2021 with a 55 per cent increase over 2020 for the period ending Sept. 30. There were 278 reported, versus 178 the year prior. A total of 55 charges were laid and 55 vehicles recovered.

A positive trend for the police service this year is with respect to the number of break-and-enters. The total number of incidents was lower both last month as well as year-to-date when compared to the past five years.

When asked by a board member the reason for the decrease, Bergen explained last year saw businesses closed and as a result the police service shifted patrols, pulled members off of specialized investigative areas and put them on proactive patrols to monitor commercial properties.

“We seen that downward trend. This year we are operating more normally as a police service with our different units staffed. The community is operating more normally. It is unusual and it is hard ro compare exactly why,” he said.

While pleased with the numbers, referring to it as a positive story, Bergen acknowledged the community has a role to play.

“We need to make sure to remind the public that they are reporting should they have a break and enter so that we are aware of it and can track and investigate appropriately,” Bergen said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell