The RCMP gave its quarterly report to Gibsons council, covering the period of October to December 2022.
Calls for service in Gibsons were down 20 per cent over the same time in 2021, Acting Detachment Commander Sgt. Jennifer Prunty and Cpl. Philip Atoui told the committee.
However there was a 350 per cent rise in impaired driving in that period – 18 files in 2022 compared to four in 2021. “That is considerable for such a small community,” said Prunty. “Those are impaired driving offenses for which police have actually had interaction, whether [the driver has] received an immediate roadside prohibition or it’s gone to an impaired charge, unfortunately, there is an issue there.”
Property crime was down 20 per cent to 61 files in 2022 compared to 76 in 2021.
Auto thefts were up 100 per cent (there were two thefts in the quarter compared to one the year before). Thefts from vehicles, however, were down. There were eight in the last quarter, compared to 12 the year previous.
There were 12 assault files, down from 14 the year before.
Reports flagged as mental health concerns rose to 23 from 20 in 2021.
Overall, there were 20 charges laid in the quarter.
In regards to staffing, Prunty said two new recruits had started in November and December, and a new corporal is hopefully expected by the end of March. The RCMP is also finishing the selection process for the permanent detachment commander, said Prunty.
