During the recent Estevan Board of Police Commissioners meeting, officials reviewed September's monthly crime statistics, revealing notable shifts in both crimes against persons and property.
“Our crime statistics indicate a mixed bag, but it's crucial to understand that our community remains largely safe and secure,” said Estevan Police Service Chief Jamie Blunden.
Crimes Against Persons
- Attempted Murder: Reports show a 100 per cent increase, with one case recorded in September compared to none the previous year.
- Sexual Crimes: One incident was reported in September, matching last year's figures. However, Year To Date (YTD) totals have decreased from 28 to 24.
- Assault: Seven incidents were reported in September for both years. The YTD total rose from 81 to 90, marking an 11 per cent increase.
- Assault Causing Bodily Harm: One case was reported in September, down from two last year. Yet, the YTD figure increased from six to 10, a significant 67 per cent rise.
- Robbery: There were no incidents reported in September for either year, but YTD totals have increased from none to three.
Overall, crimes against persons rose by 11 per cent YTD, from 115 in 2023 to 128 in 2024.
Crimes Against Property
- Residential Break and Enter: Cases decreased from three in September 2023 to two this September. The YTD total also dropped from 32 to 21, a 34 per cent decrease.
- Business Break and Enter: Two incidents were reported this September compared to none last year. YTD totals rose from two to seven, marking an 84.2 per cent increase.
- Motor Vehicle Theft: Two cases were reported, one less than last year. However, the YTD total surged from 10 to 23, representing a 130 per cent increase.
- Theft Under $5,000: Reports increased from 13 cases last September to 19 this year, with YTD totals rising from 143 to 182, a 42.2 per cent increase.
Overall, total property violations increased by 16 per cent YTD, from 292 in 2023 to 339 in 2024.
Controlled Substances Act
- YTD totals for trafficking saw a 28 per cent decrease, dropping from 18 in 2023 to 13 in 2024. Possession cases also fell by 23 per cent, from 13 to 10, contributing to an overall decline in violations by 26 per cent, from 31 to 23.
Traffic Violations
- Impaired/Exceed-Related Offences: These incidents decreased from 12 in September 2023 to five this year. The YTD total dropped from 91 to 61, a 33 per cent reduction.
- Drug-Impaired Driving: One case was reported in September, down from four last year. However, YTD figures increased from 15 to 17, a 13 per cent rise.
Overall, traffic violations declined by 24 per cent in September.
In September, there were 607 calls for service, compared to 589 in the same month last year. YTD calls dropped from 6,251 in 2023 to 5,554 in 2024, reflecting an 11.2 per cent decrease.
“I appreciate the ongoing efforts from our residents and the police. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone,” said Blunden.