Princeton crime rates fell in 2020. This is evident from a year-end statistical report recently submitted to the regional district authority.
RCMP received 2,214 service requests last year, compared to 2,314 in 2019, a decrease of four percent.
While the total number of files decreased, the number of violent crimes, including assault and sexual offenses, rose nine percent in 2020 from 138 to 151.
Department Commander Sgt. Rob Hughes said the percentage does not necessarily “reflect the current climate.”
While 14 sex offenses were recorded last year, compared to six in 2019, Hughes said the number is influenced by several factors.
Several of the incidents investigated involved historical sex crimes, he said.
“It’s becoming more and more accepted that people talk about things that happened to them,” he said.
In addition, the police now categorize all crimes with a sexual component as sex offenses, including pornography and sharing of intimate photos.
Local RCMPs receive tips from the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit, which are regularly flagged by various websites.
This may include, but is not limited to: owning, distributing, importing, and producing child pornography and any computer-related child sexual abuse material; Attracting children via the Internet; and voyeurism among victims under the age of 18.
“We have a couple of these,” said Hughes.
Domestic violence incidents fell 14 percent year over year from 29 to 25.
Overall, property crime decreased 11 percent in 2020, with reductions in breaks and driveways, theft, shoplifting and vehicle thefts.
Car thefts rose 73 percent from 11 to 19, which Hughes attributed to a summer riot of thefts pursued by several people outside of town.
Bicycle theft also rose by 80 percent from five to nine reports. Hughes said all but two of the motorcycles reported stolen last year were left unattended and unlocked.
“We don’t want to blame the victim, but people really need to lock their things up,” he said.
Related: Princeton man charged after allegedly taking “drunk driving” lessons
Relatives: Princeton elderly man pleads guilty of child sexual abuse
Princeton relative dejected at gunpoint in downtown
Do you have anything to add to this story or anything else we should cover? Email: mailto: andrea.demeer@similkameenspotlight.com
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