The number of recorded crimes in the District of Taylor was down slightly last year compared to 2020.
In its annual report to Council, Fort St. John RCMP Insp. Anthony Hanson said there were 87 criminal offences carried out in 2021, down from 115 the year before.
Calls for service also dropped from 609 to 513 year over year.
“I do think the pandemic was a key player. We saw similar numbers in Fort St. John,” said Hanson. “We also had a smaller population because a lot of the people in industry weren’t here because there was no industry.”
Property crimes, though, continued to lead the statistics with 37, but considerably down from 57 a year earlier, something the inspector takes some solace in.
“We have a very high rate of property crime in the area, particularly commercial crime, more so than personal and, again, I think that’s attributable to the pandemic…fewer people, fewer industry, fewer targets.”
While the number of assaults also slid last year; domestic assaults remain a concern and took up a large percentage of assault calls.
Other figures of note:
- 24 drivers were issued roadside suspensions and/or tickets for impaired driving
- There were 16 reported cases of mischief
- 3 individuals were arrested for possession of fentanyl and 1 with possession of cocaine
During his presentation, Hanson added it’s important to remember, in crunching the numbers, who’s living in the community and whether they’re still here, referring to any criminal element that might have moved on.
“Taylor is very safe community. There is very little crime here,” he told the Alaska Highway News afterwards.
