Richard Froese
South Peace News
Christmas and New Year’s was calm for people celebrating in the High Prairie region.
High Prairie RCMP Sgt. Jason Barber says police didn’t have any major problems with people at parties and gatherings and drinking and driving.
“Drivers attending many of the community events over the holidays were very responsible and chose to use other means of transportation or a sober driver to get them home safely,” Barber says.
“We appreciate the consideration to not put other lives in jeopardy.”
Police report few impaired drivers at checkstops.
High Prairie RCMP stopped 51 vehicles at checkstops on National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, Dec. 7, he says.
“Two checkstops were conducted that day, resulting in no impaired files and one warning for failing to produce vehicle documents,” Barber says.
Police responded to six impaired calls for service during December that resulted in one charge, one warning, three vehicles were not located and one call had insufficient evidence, he says.
One impaired refusal was reported as a result of a single-vehicle motor vehicle crash in December, he says.
Police also searched a vehicle for drugs and alcohol and came up empty handed, he says.
In other calls, police recorded 15 speeding infractions, 15 trespassing charges and 18 other traffic violations, such as no insurance, registration and operator’s licence.
Officers responded to other property crimes.
Police reported 13 break-and-enters at residences, three at sheds and garages, resulting in two charges, one with the help of Citizens on Patrol, Barber says.
One of the incidents is still under investigation, eight have insufficient evidence, such as no witnesses or suspected not identified, four are unfounded and in another incident, the victim declined to proceed.
Over the holiday season, High Prairie RCMP and Faust RCMP members attended Fill-a-Cruiser and Fill-a-Bus events in the region, Barber says.
He further advises people to protect their vehicles and belongings inside over the winter.
“With the colder temperatures, we want to remind vehicle owners to lock their vehicles when they are warming up the vehicles and to remove all valuables,” Barber says.
People are also urged to protect other possessions at their residence.
“Property owners should be vigilant in locking up sheds and garages, ensuring lights are on and, if possible, install surveillance cameras to deter thefts,” Barber says.