Staff
Violent and property crime in Fort Frances was down in 2009, according to OPP detachment commander Insp. John Kendrick, who gave a 2009 year-end police services activity report to town council here Monday.
In 2009, Fort Frances OPP had 34,392 calls for service—a 3.2 percent decrease from 2008 but 4.3 percent above the five-year average.
Violent crime has shown a steady decline over the past three years, from 265 reported incidents in 2007 to 212 in 2009.
Common assaults remain the prevalent type of violent crime, with alcohol usually a factor.
The violent crime clearance rate was 95.5 percent—higher than the national average of 72 percent.
Property crimes also have shown a steady decline from 2003, when there was 658 property crimes reported, to 2009, when there was 421 reported.
Break-and-enters and minor thefts also have steadily declined during this time, said Insp. Kendrick.
Mischief to property showed a slight increase in 2009, with 128 incidents reported, but this is well below the high of 173 in 2005.
The clearance rate for property crimes was 27.2 percent—somewhat higher than the national average of 22 percent.
Meanwhile, motor vehicle collisions remained average in 2009, with most reported in town considered to be “relatively minor.”
Insp. Kendrick said 2010 marks the final year in the OPP’s three-year business plan cycle, and the priorities and goals set forth in that have plan have aided in attaining some favourable numbers.
For example, programs such as “Lock It or Lose It” and other property crime-related media campaigns have helped with property crime while offender compliance checks for those on release from custody, as well as an increased patrol of liquor license establishments and a zero tolerance for domestic violence, has resulted in a reduction of violent crimes.
R.I.D.E. and other traffic-related enforcement has increased police visibility on the roads, and police have aided in any collisions that may have occurred.
The Community Drug Action team member that was introduced into service last year has seen some success in focusing drug enforcement efforts on targeting those supplying the drugs, whether they be illegal substances like marijuana or illegally-obtained and sold prescription drugs.
As well, OPP partnerships with agencies such as the Opiate Task Force continue to develop an effective drug strategy within the community.
Community-sponsored and supported programs like D.A.R.E. and P.A.R.T.Y. continue within schools, “educating our local youth on making appropriate choices in relation to drug and alcohol use,” said Insp. Kendrick.
“We plan to continue most of our strategies into 2010 consistent with our business plan,” he added.
