On August 8, 2009 the Vancouver Sun ran an article titled "Thieves Thriving in BC, Poll Shows". The article cited a survey conducted by Angus Reid where 1000 British Columbians and 6000 people from the rest of Canada were asked about their perceptions of crime.

The R.C.M.P. is British Columbia's Provincial Police Force, serving over 200 communities, and 190 First Nations communities. We are concerned that the article, and in particular the headline, is misleading in the assertion that crimes rates are climbing and thieves are thriving when in fact readily available crime statistics are showing a substantial overall drop in property crime over the past five years.

Using data from files from across the province, accumulated between 2004 and 2008, we are
able to track a dramatic drop in crime. This includes:

• A 29.2 percent decrease in property offences
• A 25.4 percent decrease in Break and Enters
• A 36 percent decrease in Motor Vehicle Thefts
• A 31.7 percent decrease in thefts from Motor Vehicles
• A 20.6 percent decrease in province traffic fatalities

Part of the reason for these significant drops has been the implementation of the Crime Reduction Strategy in 2004 by the British Columbia RCMP which focuses on repeat offenders, crime hotspots, partnering with academic institutes for crime research and educating people and businesses on how not to be victimized. In addition the RCMP is actively working with our municipal partners and the Criminal Justice Reform Secretariat, a collection of provincial agencies that along with the RCMP are working to improve services in the criminal justice system. These partners include social services, probation, provincial corrections and BC housing. An important part of the strategy involves treatment for offenders, including efforts to find housing and employment.

It remains important to not confuse the perception of crime with the actual crime rates. If people have questions about crime rates in their towns and municipalities they are encouraged to contact their local RCMP detachment for more detailed information.

For more information on the RCMP Crime Reduction Strategy please visit www.bc.rcmp.ca
under Initiatives.

Gary D. Bass, O.O.M.
Deputy Commissioner - Pacific Region &
Commanding Officer, "E" Division