The Agassiz RCMP released a map of crime hot spots last week showing a significant increase in property crime in the Popkum area during the past quarter.
“We use the data to track crime and tailor our police model to decrease crime in hot spot areas,” said Sgt. Darren Rennie. “As such, we have increased our presence in [Popkum].”
Local police utilize a crime analyst who works out of Chilliwack to prepare the maps and identify trends in area communities.
In addition to allocating local police, the Agassiz RCMP has requested assistance from the Chilliwack Property Crime Unit.
“Criminals are multi-jurisdictional and with our integrated model in the Upper Fraser Valley we can draw upon resources from the surrounding police offices to work with the members of local police to see that these criminals are arrested and charged for their crimes,” said Rennie. “We have had some success of late with arrests and charges and the recovery of stolen property, but that does not mean crime will stop.”
The residents of Popkum (or any neighbourhood) need to keep their eyes and ears open and call police should they see something or someone suspicious, adds the sergeant.
The Agassiz RCMP provides 24 hour police coverage so callers can get an officer to respond at any time according to Rennie.
“Simple crime prevention techniques like locking your car doors, keeping your house locked—even during the day—and keeping your valuables out of sight will go a long way to keeping your property safe and out of the hands of these thieves,” he says.