REGINA – Regina may be number two on Statistics Canada’s Crime Severity Index, but the latest numbers from the Board of Police Commissioners show crime is on the decline in the Queen City.
The mid-year report shows that total crime is at its lowest point in a decade; with theft, theft of a motor vehicle, and mischief hitting ten year lows.
Since 2006, total crime has fallen 38 per cent. Mayor Michael Fougere said Thursday that the rates are an indication the city is heading in the right direction.
“Our city is safe and police are doing a great job. Crime is not going to be eliminated completely. We always know it’s going to happen and there are pressure points all the time.”
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Vehicle thefts continue to pose a challenge for police. So far this year, 364 vehicle thefts have been reported and investigators say up to 40 per cent of them can be prevented by not leaving keys in the car.
Unfortunately, one area that has seen a rise is reported sexual offences. Sexual assaults are at a 10 year high with 78 being reported.
However, police say this increase may be a sign that more victims are being encouraged to come forward.
“It’s under reported. We know that, and it’s important that the victims come forward. I don’t know that it’s necessarily negative if it’s indeed more people coming forward and reporting the offences,” said Chief Troy Hagen.
Arson is another area that saw a significant increase. Police said that usually only one or two people can drive arson rates up quickly, as they typically set several fires in a short period of time.
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