Airdrie RCMP says they responded to fewer calls last year than in 2019 and the pandemic likely played a role.

Insp. Lauren Weare with RCMP presented the year-end review and first-quarter update to city council at its meeting on Monday.

Weare said that overall, calls for service were down nearly five per cent last year from 2019 at around 15,046 calls.

Nearly all criminal code violations saw a decrease with the exception of property break and enters which rose by about 11 per cent.

Calls for mental health services were among the highest in 2020, followed by harassment complaints and cases of fraud.

Police also responded to a number of speeding violations and other traffic infractions last year.

Statistics for domestic violence also declined last year as RCMP reported a three per cent drop overall. However, July and August of last year did see higher numbers than 2019.

When it comes to the first few months of the year, police have seen an increase month over month in calls for service, with some recent events leading to those stats.

Weare pointed to three in particular including an armed robbery at a 7-Eleven and a standoff in Ravenswood in February. RCMP were also involved in the arrest of a woman in March that was linked to 61 cases of fraud, totalling over $230,000.

Weare also pointed to stats that are showing an increase in mental health calls this year, a growth of five per cent, as COVID-19 continues to spread and restrictions impact the community.

Police are looking ahead to the rest of the year where they will continue to focus on reducing crimes like domestic violence, property damage and drug enforcement as well as road safety.

They also hope to increase community engagement through school liaison, patrols and local groups.

 

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