FSJ RCMP report organized crime crackdown results to council

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John RCMP have reported minor crime trend changes and successful crackdowns on organized crime in June. 

According to a report submitted to the City of Fort St. John council on July 27, the Fort St. John RCMP observed a decrease in crime throughout the city, with two major enforcement operations targeting organized crime. 

In a June 11 press release, RCMP announced two had been arrested in a 10-month investigation into organized crime activity in Fort St. John. Alongside the arrests, RCMP seized four firearms and 1.3 kilograms of illegal drugs. A week later, on June 19, the RCMP announced one arrest had been made in a 3-D-printed firearm operation.

“Property crimes were mixed during the month,” Sergeant Jaime Moffat, the acting officer in charge, wrote.

According to the report, theft from vehicles incidents dropped from 16 in May to 14 in June, and general theft reports decreased from 38 to 30 in the same timeframe. Residential break and enters dropped from seven to six, and commercial break and enters also decreased by one, going from four to three by June.

Theft of motor vehicles increased from two reports in May to five in June, with the detachment noting it as an “area of concern.” 

“Members continue to encourage residents to remove valuables from vehicles, secure homes and businesses, and report suspicious activity promptly,” Moffat said. 

Moffat explained mental health-related occurrences were still putting “significant demands on public resources.”

“During June, members responded to 15 Mental Health Act apprehensions and 77 Check Well-Being calls,” Moffat stated.

“These incidents often require extended police involvement and coordination with healthcare and community service providers.”

Throughout June, the RCMP responded to 1,084 calls for service, 808 of which were within the city limits. 

To read the complete report, see below.