NORTH BATTLEFORD — The city of North Battleford has issued a statement in reaction to its ranking atop the 2021 Crime Severity Index for communities of 10,000 or more.
According to the statistics released Tuesday, North Battleford recorded a CSI score of 480.72, reclaiming top spot from Thompson, Man., and also recorded a violent crime CSI of 518.42. In a news release Friday, the city pointed to some good news in the numbers, particularly regarding the reduction in violent crime.
“The city is encouraged to note that its considerable efforts and resources directed toward a reduction in violent crimes over the past number of years have paid dividends,” the release stated. In 2021, the CSI indicated violent crimes in the city had dropped nearly 7.5 per cent while increasing provincially, the city states.
The city is crediting the partnership of both City and provincial resources, including Community Safety Officers, SCAN (Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods) and RCMP units including the Gang Task Force and the Crime Reduction Team.
The news release also points out that crime rates are trending upward provincially with an overall increase in crime at 2.9 per cent, a 3.7 per cent increase in violent crime and a 2.5 per cent rise in non-violent crimes. The city also notes that the RCMP largely attribute an escalation in property and less-violent crimes to situations in which they know individuals are likely to be struggling with addiction.
While the violent crime CSI is down for North Battleford, the CSI score for less violent crime categories is 466.02, up from 381.68 the previous year.
“The escalation in non-violent crimes is concerning and it is something that we’ve heard over the past year at our quarterly reports from local RCMP at council meetings,” said Mayor David Gillan in a news release.
“While the city is pleased to see its intentional efforts at reduction of violent crimes is paying off, the increase in crimes of opportunity is troubling. As residents, we can all do our part to ensure the crimes of opportunity are lessened – lock your house doors, do not store items in your vehicles and remove your keys from your vehicles. It is important to be vigilant as we strive to continue improving the general safety and security of the city.”
In its news release, North Battleford is also pledging to “continue to work with all agencies tasked with the well-being and safety of its residents, including with various levels of government on initiatives like enhanced supports for those struggling with mental health and/or addictions.”
