RCMP report ‘slight increase’ in property crime, decrease in shoplifting in April

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John RCMP has reported a slight increase in property crimes and a decrease in shoplifting in April. 

In the city’s RCMP report, which was submitted to the May 25th Fort St. John council meeting, the detachment’s acting officer in charge, Jamie Moffat, said the police received a total of 923 calls for services in April. 

The report said 733 calls were made in the city, while 190 were made from surrounding rural areas. 

Moffat said: “This is up from 948 calls for service when compared to the same period in 2025, or an increase of approximately 2.64 per cent.” 

She added that there has been a continued increase in impaired driving investigations, with 19 files in March to 25 in April. 

Additionally, a slight increase in property crime offences was observed. Breaking and entering into businesses went from four to seven; one arrest was made, and two investigations are ongoing. 

Moffat also reported a decrease in shoplifting incidents under $5,000 from 14 in March to 11 in April. 

The report also noted a decline in mental health apprehensions from 19 reports in March to 12 in April. 

A crime analyst has been selected for the new position at the detachment, which is funded through the Province of B.C.’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Action Fund (GGVAF), Moffat highlighted. 

“The crime analyst will support investigations and enforcement by analyzing crime data to identify trends, patterns, and emerging issues,” she added. 

“This role enhances evidence-based decision-making, supports proactive policing strategies, and helps direct resources where they are most effective.” 

Moffat said this work will contribute to improved public and community safety in Fort St. John and the surrounding area. 

To read the full report, see below.