While a one per cent increase in total criminal offences between 2021 and 2022 was observed by the Airdrie RCMP, the five-year-trend has shown that there has been 19 per cent decrease between 2018 and 2022.

During Thursday evening's Municipal Advisory Board Meeting, Airdrie RCMP Staff Sargent Troy Switzer said that while there may be cause for concern regarding crime statistics, as there appears to be an increase in persons and property-related crime, especially when there has been a 23 per cent increase in the theft of motor vehicles, he did underline that there was a 14 per cent decrease in other criminal code offences.

staStatistics provided by the Airdrie RCMP at a Municipal Advisory Board Meeting show that while there is an increase in crime from 2021-2022, the RCMP has seen a five-year downward trend. (Statistics Graphic provided by Airdrie RCMP) 

"Consistent with all the jurisdictions across Canada, our crime statistics decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we're beginning to see a rebound this year. With our numbers coming back up," Switzer said.

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One of the most significant things that The Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) has been working on, is the recovery of over $72,000 of stolen property, which included multiple stolen vehicles, catalytic converters, and retail property.

While domestic violence occurrences also decreased and the five-year trend shows a significant decrease, there has been a significant increase in the number of mental health calls in the same five-year period. According to the RCMP mental health occurrences have decreased by 15 per cent in 2022 as compared to 2021. 

mStatistics provided by the Airdrie RCMP at a Municipal Advisory Board Meeting show that while mental health occurrences decreased between 2021 and 2022, a five-year snapshot shows a significant increase.  (Statistics Graphic provided by Airdrie RCMP) 

The City of Airdrie RCMP detachment and Municipal Enforcement are hosting a Town Hall on February 15, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Airdrie City Hall Council Chambers, which will allow residents to attend and share their feedback regarding safety in the community which will help set policing priorities for the coming year. 

The information gathered is utilized by the RCMP and the Municipal Police Advisory Board (MPAB) in identifying policing priorities for 2023 - 2024.

A similar Town Hall will also be held on Monday, January 30 at 6 p.m. at the Rocky View County office. This Town Hall will involve discussions surrounding rural policing in Rocky View County, Crossfield, Beiseker, Irricana, Acme, Linden and Kneehill County.

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