Crime rates on the rise in Hants County

Crime rates have risen in West Hants, the Windsor Rural RCMP's quarterly report says.

In 2007, the RCMP reported eight assault offenses; this year that number has increased to 17. Property offenses, as well, are on the rise, with 28 recorded incidents. Last year at this time, there was an abysmal five. However, in that case, the high numbers can be attributed to the recent rash of thefts from vehicles, which the local RCMP brought to a quick conclusion with a number of arrests. Acting Staff Sergeant Peter Kierstead presented the report to West Hants municipal council July 8, and said, “the detachment has seen an increase in calls for service; everything is up.” Including weapons offenses, he noted, which were mostly due to improper storage, false alarms and collisions.

Kierstead pointed out that the majority of motor collisions are not on Highway 101 but on smaller, rural roads. And, although those numbers have more than doubled in the last year, they account for anything from fender-benders to major accidents.

In the wake of the report, there was some discussion around increased traffic patrols and the need to enhance patrols on various streets and roads where driver speed continues to pose a safety hazard.

Coun. Anne MacDonald said she is very concerned for youth driving the Chester Road. “Every year there is a new batch of kids that get their licenses and want to burn rubber.” She noted an increase in police presence there is needed. “I'm don't want to see anyone in trouble, but I want them to live, too,” she added.

Coun. Gary Cochrane said there could be an increase in radars along the Wentworth Road as drivers continue to speed along that stretch and there has been at least one serious accident in that area already this year.

Kierstead said the RCMP is in the process of forming a new initiative to work more closely with Traffic Services.

As for the false alarms, he noted that the RCMP is mandated to go to every 911 call. He told council that the majority of false alarms are the result of security systems. “If we get a call from the security company we need to go.”

The good news is, however, the detachment remains at full staffing complement for the summer months.