Dawson Creek RCMP releases August 2023 report

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. – The Dawson Creek RCMP received 6,210 calls for service from January to August 2023 — an increase of about 3.8 per cent compared to 2022.

For the same period last year, the RCMP received 5,984 calls for service. Of this year’s 6,210 calls, 5,109 (82 per cent) were done within the city, and 1,101 (18 per cent) were done within the surrounding rural area. 

“This equates to an increase of calls for service within the City of 5.8 per cent and a decrease of 4.8 per cent in calls for service in the rural and surrounding community,” read the report prepared by detachment commander S/Sgt Rob Hughes for council on Monday.

Property crime and mental health make up the majority of calls for service. 

Theft of vehicle calls decreased by 28 per cent, with seventy-one calls made in 2023 and ninety-one in 2022. Theft from vehicle calls fell by 20 per cent with seventy calls made in 2023 and eighty-eight in 2022.

Calls of break and enter to residences decreased by 10 per cent, with 45 calls made in 2023 and 50 in 2022. Break and enter to business calls decreased by 17 per cent with 76 calls made in 2023 and 92 in 2022. 

Assault, assault with a weapon or aggravated assault calls increased by 3.5 per cent with 177 calls made in 2023 and 171 in 2022.

Sexual assault or interference calls increased by 40 per cent, however, there is a declining trend. In June 2023, calls increased by 75 per cent and decreased in July 2023 to 52 per cent. There were 38 calls made in 2023 and twenty-seven in 2022. 

Drug possession and drug trafficking calls decreased by 46 per cent, with 13 calls made in 2023 and twenty-four in 2022.

Impaired driving (alcohol and drugs), 24-hour suspensions and immediate roadside prohibition decreased by 4 per cent with 96 in 2023 and 100 in 2022.

Motor vehicle collisions decreased by 6.5 per cent with 201 in 2023 and 215 in 2022. 

Theft (including shoplifting) decreased by 20 per cent with 270 in 2023 and 336 in 2022. 

Finally, mental health calls decreased by 5 per cent, with 340 calls made in 2023 and 359 made in 2022. 

View the full report below: