Inspector Ryan How, commander of the Battlefords RCMP detachment, presents the May 2025 crime statistics to North Battleford city council on July 14, 2025. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

POLICING

RCMP ‘cautiously optimistic’ as latest report shows violent crime decrease in North Battleford

Jul 15, 2025 | 11:51 AM

The Battlefords RCMP say they’re seeing fewer serious violent and property crimes so far this year, but people still need to pick up the phone and report what they see, no matter how small it seems.

According to the detachment’s monthly statistics for May 2025, total incidents in North Battleford rose 12 per cent compared to the same month last year, with 1,554 files opened versus 1,385 in May 2024. Overall, year-to-date numbers are up five per cent.

Inspector Ryan How, the local detachment commander, said that’s partly because officers are doing more proactive patrols and community policing, catching incidents that might otherwise slip by.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that we’re seeing a nice reduction in persons crime in most areas,” How told council July 14.

“I attribute that to the fact that our detachment is working on nucleus-based policing… I think we’re really starting to make some headway on some of our more violent offenders, but certainly a long way to go.”

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How said each RCMP watch is directed to carry out at least one specific initiative every month — whether that’s a high-visibility traffic stop, executing search warrants, or targeting repeat offenders. He added they’re partnering closely with the regional crime reduction team to make the most of their resources.

The latest report shows:

• Persons offences, including assaults and threats, dropped to 119 cases in May, down from 124 the same month last year. Year-to-date, there have been 483 persons offences so far in 2025, compared to 507 at this time last year.
• Assaults rose slightly to 81 cases in May, up from 71 in May 2024.
• Property offences, such as thefts and break-and-enters, fell to 264 cases in May, down from 386 the previous May. Year-to-date, property offences total 1,157, compared to 1,505 in 2024.
• Mischief complaints dropped to 155 cases in May, down from 250 the year before.
• Disturbing the peace cases rose to 179 in May, up from 97 last May — which How attributed to nearly 300 documented foot patrols downtown and officers being more available to respond.

How said some of those reductions could be misleading if people don’t bother to report smaller offences.

“I do caution that I’m concerned that the public may not be reporting minor offences,” he said. “So while it is a reduction, I’m always cautious with that.”

He noted a new property crime initiative is expected to roll out in the coming weeks, combining undercover tactics with more visible foot and bike patrols in neighbourhoods that have seen vandalism and theft late at night.

“We’re going to be doing our best with the resources we have to focus on that,” How said.

Deputy Mayor Coun. Bill Ironstand said the numbers show the RCMP’s efforts are paying off.

“They’ve increased some patrols, and that’s why we’re seeing an increase in some of the numbers. But that is why they’re increasing the patrols, right? Numbers will go up, but that means we’re doing our jobs, and they’re doing their jobs,” he said.

Ironstand added that people in North Battleford still need to do their part by reporting crimes when they happen — even if they’re minor.

“Because then it gives us an overall picture of what’s truly happening,” he said.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com