The statistics show that calls are up in almost every crime category in South Simcoe.
South Simcoe police Deputy Chief Robin McElary-Downer went over the stats with members of the Bradford West Gwillimbury-Innisfil Police Services Board earlier this week.
The records show vehicle thefts spiked by 71 per cent year-over-year, collisions are up by 19 per cent, and alcohol and drug apprehensions have increased by 40 per cent.
The increase in apprehensions of alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers is related to another statistic, McElary-Downer noted, as RIDE programs have also increased by more than 150 per cent in 2019.
It reflects the South Simcoe Police Service’s change in strategy, she said. Rather than large-scale, formal spotchecks, officers are now carrying out more informal and brief checkpoints whenever they are between calls.
“It might last 30 minutes, it might last 15 minutes,” said McElary-Downer, who added the new strategy has been effective.
Equally effective has been directing police response to areas where complaints have been received from the public. A recent radar check in Cookstown, where speeding has been an ongoing issue, resulted in 30 traffic tickets being issued within a 90-minute radar check. It also received praise from the residents.
There was one statistic continues to be concerning, however. Not only were 911 calls up by 16 per cent, 911 hang-up calls and misdials were up by a whopping 114 per cent, despite ongoing education efforts.
“It’s sad to see that constantly, despite the campaigns,” said police services board chair Licinio Miguelo.
Another category that has shown a major rise is sexual offences. In Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil, the cases are up 103 per cent year-to-date, comparing 2018 and 2019, said McElary-Downer.
The statistics include a case of human trafficking in both Innisfil and Bradford, and the alleged child-luring of a victim in Saskatoon, by an Innisfil man, who has since been arrested and his computers seized.
Both cases are “still under investigation,” said the deputy chief.
Police also investigated two forcible confinement cases in Bradford, resulting from a complaint filed by an escort.
The woman went to a Bradford home to provide “a service,” but was subsequently confined by the client.
“He robbed her, he assaulted her and made it very clear she was not getting out of the basement,” said McElary-Downer.
The woman escaped and took her complaint to police, who investigated and charged the suspect, which led to the filing of a second complaint by another alleged victim.
It’s significant, said McElary-Downer, because it shows that, “regardless of the business you’re in, if you’re a victim, we will support you.”
