The local RCMP are still working successfully towards crime reduction in the Creston Valley.
Staff Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk recently presented a quarterly report to town council on the period from July 1 to Sept. 30.
Violent offences decreased by 14 per cent in the municipal area and 15 per cent in rural, while property crimes dropped by 29 per cent municipally and 14 per cent rurally.
“Obviously, when it comes to people's physical safety, that's the highest priority, and to see a reduction both in the rural side and municipal side, is a good sign,” said Buliziuk. “With the property offences, which are also a priority for us, these are things people work hard to earn. I take pride in our members protecting the integrity of that property.”
The key to successful crime reduction is sustained pressure on known and prolific repeat offenders, according to Buliziuk.
“We've been able to acquaint ourselves very well with who’s who when it comes to repeat criminal offences in this valley,” he said. “Our members have become very, very good at recognizing newcomers to the valley who are coming here and immediately participating in criminal activity.”
Collaboration with external clients in the system - such as bail supervisors, probation officers, and court officials - also helps to hold prolific offenders accountable, added Buliziuk.
The RCMP would like to focus on further crime reduction in other areas, with an increase in sexually-related offences being one concern.
“It has to be taken in context, certainly. We don't have a lot of those types of offences per capita. Really, we don't, but when you have one or two more than you did the previous quarter, it can create a spike, essentially, that can cause alarm. But when you break down the statistics, It's not that severe.”
As of summer’s end, the detachment has been fully staffed for the first time in years, aiding in proactive police work.
Buliziuk is proud of the work accomplished by his members over the last two years to decrease crime statistics.
“There's a lot of good things heard in the media about our valley and the work our members are doing,” he said. “And ultimately, that type of news is what draws other experienced officers to want to transfer here. They want to bring their families to a valley like this. It's a safe, beautiful place to live, and it's an added bonus when they know they're coming to a detachment that's fully staffed and things are going well.”
To further community engagement in early 2025, a community feedback system is being set up and an officer has been selected to undergo media relations training.
“A big thanks to the public for their support,” said Buliziuk. “It's an interesting time for law enforcement, not just in Canada, to work in this profession. To receive the support and feedback that we do, among such a tremendous group of people in this valley, is just amazing.”