Crime trends might be on the downside in Comox but police are nevertheless looking to tighten up operations in a number of areas, says Comox Valley RCMP Insp. Tom Gray.
Appearing before the Comox Committee of the Whole Wednesday, Gray said an additional member has been added to the domestic crime unit, which fields an average of 1.5 calls of this nature each day. Domestic crime can involve gesturing, pushing or other forms of criminal harassment that Gray said are difficult to deal with and can last for several years.
Police have also re-aligned resources towards youth-at-risk in an effort to intervene before situations become out-of-hand.
Other priority areas include property crime, prolific offenders and cell block operations. Although the latter is a “high-risk activity for policing,” Gray said it is easy to become complacent when it comes to “custodial care.”
Traffic enforcement issues include vehicles without a front licence plate and motorcycle noise. The detachment has purchased an automated licence plate reader that helps target motorists with a poor driving history as well as prohibited drivers.
Gray suggests the fewer number of young people in Comox is one reason why crime is down.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com