By Taylor MacPherson

Weapon-related offences rise sharply in P.A.

Nov 2, 2016 | 2:00 PM

Crime involving weapons is going up, according to recent numbers released by the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS).

According to statistics published this week, 26 separate incidents involving weapons were handled by PAPS in October alone. This is more than double the 10 weapon-related offences reported during the same month last year. Numbers from September were only slightly lower, with 24 offences involving weapons reported by police.

So far this year, a total 179 weapons offences were recorded by PAPS, representing an increase of 66 per cent over the same period last year.

Several recent cases demonstrate the growing presence of weapons on Prince Albert streets.

In two separate incidents this morning alone, PAPS arrested a suspect who was allegedly concealing a large knife and responded to a residence on 12th St. W. that was shot at. 

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Over the weekend, PAPS seized three loaded, modified shotguns from a vehicle during a routine traffic stop and arrested a suspect who was allegedly carrying a large knife while on drugs.

Other problem areas according to police statistics include fraud and drug possession. Year-to-date numbers for fraud climbed 65 per cent over 2015, while drug possession numbers are up 42 per cent over last year’s stats.

Break and enter offences are also on the rise, with 39 incidents alone last month. There have been 520 break and enters so far in 2016, an increase of 19 per cent over last year.

Criminal activity has dropped in other areas. Prostitution charges decreased significantly from last year, with no charges issued in the month of October. There were only three prostitution offences so far in 2016, compared to seven at this point last year.

Traffic offences are also down roughly 15 per cent from 2015. Police have recorded 1,036 traffic violations since the start of 2016, compared to 1,221 in the same period last year.

paNOW contacted Prince Albert Police Service for comment several times by both phone and email, but requests were not returned.

To review the report, click here.

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

@TMacPhersonNews