Cochrane has seen a mixed bag of crime trends during January and February of 2025, according to Cochrane RCMP Insp. Dave Brunner.
Overall, crime in the town has increased by nine per cent compared to the same time last year, with property-related crimes being the main contributor to the rise.
"In total, we've seen 36 more property crimes and 22 more total criminal offenses compared to last year," Brunner said. "Property crimes jumped by 33 per cent this year, while person-related crimes dropped by 5 per cent, and other criminal code offenses are down by 15 per cent."
One of the most significant areas of concern continues to be thefts and mischief under $5,000.
"Thefts under $5,000 are coming to the forefront, and when times get tough, we see that number increase," Brunner explained, adding that vandalism and mental health-related incidents are still among the top calls for service in Cochrane.
Despite the increase in property crimes, there were some improvements. Brunner noted that motor vehicle thefts had decreased slightly in February, with only one truck stolen.
"We also had three break-and-enters, one was a business, and two were residential," he said.
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Another concerning trend is the ongoing issue of domestic violence. Brunner mentioned that the RCMP dealt with 18 cases of spousal abuse in February alone, which he linked to economic pressures and mental health struggles.
"People are struggling to make things work, and unfortunately, this sometimes leads to spousal issues," he said. He encouraged anyone in need of support to reach out to the many organizations available to help. "Our victim services people are always ready to assist."
In total, Cochrane RCMP responded to 395 calls for service in February, with crime trends reflecting broader societal challenges.
"It's a sign of the times," Brunner said, noting that while the increase in crime isn't ideal, he urged residents to report suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.
"You know what's normal in your neighbourhood. If something feels out of place, it probably is," Brunner added. "Just a license plate can lead to the arrest of prolific offenders, and it's important to make that call."