The numbers are all over the place when it comes to crime stats in Maple Ridge, based on the latest Statistics Canada figures.
According to the Crime Severity Index, there was an 18-per-cent increase in the number of crime incidents in 2014 in Maple Ridge, compared to the previous year.
When looked at over a period of five years, between 2010 and 2014, the numbers hovered in the 7,000 range – between 6,165 incidents in 2013 to a high last year of 7,392.
When expressed as a rate per 100,000, Maple Ridge experienced a rate last year of 9,136 incidents per 100,000 population – versus a province-wide rate of 8,631.
When it comes to Pitt Meadows, the crime rate per 100,000 is close to the B.C. average – at 8,643.
But that’s 50 per cent higher than the year before.
When it comes to the number of criminal charges that police lay as a result of their investigations, the number has dropped in the most recent year.
In 2014, RCMP in Maple Ridge charged 700 adults compared to 937 in 2010.
In 2014, RCMP in Pitt Meadows charged 115 adults compared to 116 in 2010.
The same trend is evident when considering the number of youths under 18 years of age charged. In Maple Ridge, 34 kids were facing criminal charges in 2014 compared to 72 in 2010. In Pitt Meadows last year, 14 youths were charged.
When it comes to youth crime, the 2014 provincial rate of kids charged (between 12 and 17 years old) per 100,000 is 1,191.
In Maple Ridge, the same statistic is half that – 520. In Pitt Meadows, the rate of kids charged between 12 and 17 years old is closer to the provincial rate at 1,021.
Ridge Meadows RCMP didn’t want to comment on or explain the numbers.
Record bike numbers, report thefts
If people want police to cut down on street crime, in particular in the area of the Cliff Avenue homeless camp, the public has to do its part.
Tuesday, July 28, Ridge Meadows RCMP and bylaws officers checked out more than 30 bicycles at the camp. But after checking records and reports, none were found to be stolen.
We are aware that there have been public concerns there is stolen property at the camp, including bicycles,” Cpl. Alanna Dunlop said. “Since the camp has started up, a number of bicycles and bike parts have been seized as recovered stolen property.”
Reuniting property owners with their stolen or lost items depends upon proper identification of the item. “Police may use a detailed description, and/or the serial number to identify property using the Canadian Police Information Centre database.”
She’s advising everyone to record the serial numbers of valuable items and to grab a quick photo, as well.
Other theft prevention tips:
• using good quality bike locks applied properly;
• store bicycles inside a secure area of your home;
• remove the seat or a wheel if possible,
• if leaving your bike in the back of a vehicle, secure the bike with a lock to your vehicle;
• never lock your bike with the front wheel only, preferably a u-lock and a cable lock;
• use two locks if possible.