2004 CRIME STATS IMPROVE IN THE DISTRICT OF VANDERHOOF

The Vanderhoof RCMP painted a rosy picture for the District of
Vanderhoof council on Feb. 9, presenting the 2004 year-end crime
statistics. "Overall, the stats are pretty positive - crime seems to
be down," said mayor Len Fox.

Staff Sgt. Rick Kowalewich along with Cpl. Troy Beauregard paid
council a visit during the regular meeting to present the latest
update on local crime.

Property damage and vandalism was one area that saw a significant
decrease - going from 194 incidents in 2003 to 116 in 2004. Staff Sgt.
Kowalewich said there are a number of reasons for the decline but he
said there has been a noticeable decrease since the district began
some of their youth programs, such as Youth Rec Day.

"Those kinds of things make a difference," he said.

Fox said it seems as if the community is now sharing an increased
amount of pride.

"It appears, over the last two years, that there is more civic pride,"
he said. "Often times we can help the RCMP by generating programs like
our youth program which tries to keep the kids more involved in the
community. There are some very good programs. Kudos to (district
recreation coordinator) Anne (Hollingsworth), she's done a great job
organizing the events."

Business break and enters were also down: going from 13 to seven in
2004.

Although much of the overall picture was positive, drug activity was
one area where the councillors were concerned.

"I know that we're not in the same situation as many other
communities, with the grow operations, but at the same time one has to
be concerned with any drug activity," said Fox.

Cpl. Beauregard spoke about one of the local detachment's priorities
for 2005: seatbelt use. He mentioned the RCMP will be increasing their
enforcement hoping to reduce the number of preventable injuries and
fatalities.