Property crime down, traffic enforcement up for summer in Oak Bay

Property crimes are down and traffic enforcement is up in Oak Bay, according to a synopsis of the Oak Bay Police Department’s work over the summer.

“Overall, it was a busy summer for us but Oak Bay continues to be an incredibly safe place. We’re very pleased to see our property crime numbers decreasing so dramatically as that is a high priority for our community,” said Deputy Chief Ray Bernoties.

Statistics pulled from June 1 to Aug 28 give insight into the changing trends in Oak Bay.

Property crime

Preventing property crime is a priority for Oak Bay police.

“We’re pleased that the number of Theft from Autos in Oak Bay over the summer was way down. This summer we responded to only five which is dramatically lower than last summer’s 33. As well, we only had three Break & Enter’s whereas last year we had nine over the same period,” said Bernoties.

Oak Bay police conducted 62 property checks – a unique program offered in Oak Bay in which officers keep an eye on properties when residents are away.

They also responded to 100 False Alarms and 138 Suspicious Persons calls.

Traffic

In response to priorities expressed by the community, Oak Bay police stepped up traffic enforcement efforts. Over the summer, they issued 148 tickets whereas last summer they issued 90.

Police responded to 19 driving complaints, 38 collisions and nine Impaired/IRP/24 hr suspensions.

Other serious incidents investigated

From June 1 to Aug 28 Oak Bay police investigated four sexual assaults, three assaults, four sudden deaths, six missing persons, four domestic disputes, 19 calls for mental health service, and eight frauds (with victims who actually lost money).

They also attended 220 “Assist the public” calls for service and attended all block parties unless a call required their attendance.