There's been a spike in mischief in Air Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

property crimes

Mischief on the rise in Air Ronge

Nov 28, 2019 | 3:21 PM

Mischief has been on the rise in Air Ronge between October and November.

That’s according to La Ronge RCMP Acting-Staff Sgt. Josh Hallett, who stated data shows a spike in the village while other areas of the tri-communities remain consistent. He noted mischief could include several occurrences such as vehicle vandalism or property damage.

“These are generally crimes of opportunity when someone walks by and sees something of interest in the vehicle, or it can be planned out by people who are out and about looking to make a quick snatch of something that maybe laying in the vehicle,” he said. “Quite often we find it is the same people who are doing it and who are involved in it. They sort of make their way through the different communities and break into vehicles and smash windows.”

Many residents have taken to social media to voice their concerns about the vehicle damage through a private group set up through Facebook. The page shows post after post of photos showing broken windows and vehicles that have been rummaged through. Some comments by group members offer support for one another while other calls for personally catching and detaining suspects.

While Hallett doesn’t believe residents can completely protect themselves from falling victim to mischief, he added there are steps they can take to reduce the chances. He recommends installing motion sensor lighting and camera systems, keeping the vehicle doors locked and ensuring it remain clear of any belongings. Those who commit these types of crimes are usually looking for money, small electronics or anything they can get away with quickly.

Made in Saskatchewan

Find My Plus One: The Canadian App for Getting Out and Living Your Best Life

Mar 09, 2026

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Ed Hervey Tampering Window Opens!

Feb 02, 2026

Seniors Scene

New Year - New Habits

Feb 02, 2026

“The community has become much better at people installing security cameras and letting us know when there is a crime in the area,” Hallett said. “When there is footage available, officers are happy to attend the residence and gather that footage, and sometimes we are able to solve crime that way as well.”

Hallett also mentioned he understands how frustrating mischief can be for victims, noting they are sometimes hard to solve too. If people continue to call the RCMP when such crimes occur, however, he said officers could make connections to other crimes and could solve the case.

As for break-and-enters, Hallett reported there has been no rise in such crimes compared to the rest of the year. He mentioned while break-and-enters tend to be more sophisticated with a higher level of planning, residents can still protect themselves by locking the doors, keeping lights on and installing camera systems. Hallett urges anyone to call the RCMP if they see anything suspicious going on.

“Rather than just talking amongst each other, make sure somebody phones the police and lets them know there is suspicious activity in the area, and we can respond fairly quickly,” he said. “Hopefully we can intercept or catch something in the act.”

–

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno