The work of the Quesnel RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) over the past four months has had a positive impact on the community.
According to a release from the RCMP, The CRU supplements policing efforts in high crime areas targeting drug, property and prolific offenders in the community.
“An important role of CRU will be to increase patrols in high crime hot spots, investigate property and drug offences in the community, and conduct curfew checks on prolific offenders with an aim to take them off the street,” said Staff Sergeant Darren Dodge, the Quesnel RCMP Detachment Commander.
The release states that in the past three months the CRU has arrested 33 people for offences including thefts, drugs, impaired operation of a motor vehicle, breach of release conditions, and outstanding warrants. In that time the CRU has also been involved in six search warrant executions, recovered three stolen vehicles, made 11 drug seizures and has brought new charges on 20 individuals.
“The Crime Reduction Unit’s proactive approach to combating crime will not only bring criminals to Justice, but is will also reduce community harm,” said Sgt. Richard Weseen, Operations Support NCO for the Quesnel RCMP. “With the support of Council and the citizens of Quesnel, this program will ensure Quesnel remains a safe community to live in.”
On February 1, 2020 Quesnel City Council, with input from the citizens of Quesnel, approved the funding for two additional officers in the Quesnel RCMP Detachment, these additional officers are being used to staff the CRU.
“Council heard the public regarding safety concerns, and are happy with the impact that the Crime Reduction Unit has had on improving public safety in the community,” said Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.
READ MORE: RCMP seize stolen vehicles, equipment and firearms in Quesnel
sasha.sefter@quesnelobserver.com
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