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According to its latest crime statistics report, Surrey RCMP state that overall crime decreased by 4% in 2018.
What's more, the detachment states that violent crime decreased by two per cent in the fourth quarter, although it did not decrease over the entire year. With that in mind, the reports shows that homicides actually increased from 12 to 15 in 2018, or 25 per cent.
The report states that property crime decreased by 11 per cent, except in theft over $5000, which increased by 33 per cent, and shoplifting, which increased by eight per cent.
The RCMP received 600 less break and enter files in 2018, which represented an 18 per cent decrease the year. In addition, theft from vehicles, one of the most high-volume crimes, decreased by 15 per cent. Further, theft of vehicles decreased by 30 per cent.
“The Surrey RCMP continues to pursue crime reduction and address public safety issues through a balanced approach that includes prevention, outreach, intervention and enforcement efforts,” says Assistant Commissioner Dwayne McDonald.
“The 2018 crime statistics report demonstrates that the collective efforts of the police, partners and the community are contributing to positive trends in terms of the incidence of crime.”
Surrey RCMP launched the Mobile Street Enforcement Team in May to conduct proactive enforcement in areas with high volume calls. It also relied on the effort of the Business Engagement & Safety Team (BEST); Block Watch, with close to 800 groups city-wide; and our volunteer-based Stolen Auto Recovery and Lock Out Auto Crime programs.
The RCMP has provided the public with information to these reports on a quarterly basis since 2006. It has done so to create better awareness and understanding of the incidence of crime across Surrey.
