MOOSE JAW — Cold weather in January likely contributed to a decrease in the number of criminal incidents that Moose Jaw police handled, based on recent crime data and comments from the acting chief.
The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) presented the January crime statistics during the February meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners, with almost every category showing a double-digit decrease year-over-year.
The data for crimes against the person in January 2025 versus January 2024 showed:
- Homicides/attempted murder: 0 / 0
- Assaults (sexual, common, with a weapon, aggravated and against police): 15 / 32
- Robbery: 0 / 2
- Total: 29 / 86, a decrease of 66.3 per cent
Data for crimes against property in January 2025 versus January 2024 showed:
- Break-ins (business, residence, other): 10 / 26
- Theft of vehicles: 3 / 7
- Theft over $5,000: 0 / 2
- Theft under $5,000: 21 / 56
- Arson: 1 / 0
- Mischief under $5,000: 11 / 16
- Total: 60 / 127, a decrease of 52.8 per cent
Data for other incidents in January 2025 versus January 2024 showed:
- Impaired driving: 5 / 7
- Failing to comply with court orders: 50 / 53
- Threats: 0 / 2
- Domestic disputes: 3 / 8
- Provincial liquor infractions: 6 / 6
- Vehicle collisions over $1,000: 19 / 36
- Drugs: 0 / 1
- Calls for service: 1,681 / 1,400, an increase of 20.1 per cent
Acting Chief Rick Johns told the board that the January statistics don’t provide the police service with much information since it’s the start of a new year and the numbers are preliminary. So, the agency doesn’t dig into the numbers too deeply or analyze them too closely since there isn’t enough information to identify trends.
Commissioner Patrick Boyle said that, based on the statistics, cold weather was the best way to combat crime since few criminals operated when it was -40 C.
Board chairman James Murdock agreed, pointing out that break-ins in January had decreased by 16 incidents year-over-year.
Afterward, Johns told reporters that cold weather “can” contribute to fewer crimes since people are not outside as much and the police usually receive fewer related service calls. However, the topic of the calls can change since the agency starts responding to people struggling to find suitable shelter.
“So, we have to take extra care to make sure we’re meeting those needs as best we can with our capabilities,” he said. “… you will see a drop in calls generally during cold weather.”
The police will not place homeless people in cells overnight to keep them warm since officers must arrest and detain people before they’re allowed into the detention centre, Johns continued. The MJPS has “pretty strict guidelines for what defines detention,” so it looks to Willow Lodge or Social Services to provide people with accommodations in cold weather.
Officers usually spend significant time connecting less fortunate residents with the resources they need, while it’s “vitally important” that the agency finds people warm places to stay during bitterly cold days.
“There are local churches that are offering meals during the lunch hour and (suppertime) …, so, so far, I think the people’s needs are being met during this cold weather,” the deputy chief said, adding that forthcoming warm weather should be helpful.
The next police board meeting is Wednesday, March 19.
