June was a busy month for Port Alberni RCMP as there was an 11 per cent increase in calls compared to May, but this is normal says Insp. Mac Richards.
Port Alberni’s top cop said the RCMP normally sees an increase in service calls in the summer and the majority of incidents members have attended to have been related to alcohol consumption. The local detachment received 921 service calls in June, compared to 815 in May.
“It’s pretty standard and predictable,” Richards said. “The summer months are the busiest times.”
Richards said there is a spike in all types of incidents, such as mischief and public intoxication. With half a million people driving through Port Alberni to the West Coast and then back, he expects the next couple of months to remain busy.
Richards said Monday at city council that property crime was down 20 per cent this year and that the RCMP is making a concerted effort in increasing its visibility in Port Alberni. RCMP have attended seven community events.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com