Head of Melfort RCMP discusses property crime, drugs, repeat offenders

According to Case, they typically see a slight decrease in calls when school starts and people get back to their normal routines. However, over the past month, Case said the detachment has seen an increase in the number of stolen vehicles, as well as general property crime.

There have been several vehicles rummaged through while parked on people’s driveways or on the street. RCMP also monitor social media for reports of property damage or theft, and they have arrested some youths in cases like this recently.

Case said there have been victims of property crime that have left vehicles unlocked and/or have left valuables inside. He urges people to lock their vehicles and remove the keys and valuables to give would-be thieves less incentive and ability to rummage through.

“Property crime for a vehicle being left unlocked, it’s like a slot machine,” Case said. “Once you win from that slot machine, you’re going to keep coming back and try to win from that same slot machine.”

There has been frustration from the public about individuals arrested and released soon after. Case echoes those sentiments about repeat offenders and “the in-and-out of the same people that we’re dealing with.” He said they have seen a lot of that over the summer, and it remains a frustration for officers having to re-arrest people for similar crimes, spending a lot of time and effort to make arrests just to see the offenders hit the streets soon after.

“It’s our job and that’s what we do, and we’ll continue to do it, but we are a cog in the big wheel of the justice system.”

Case said there are times they get tips on social media about people wearing backpacks or walking down alleys or streets at strange hours, and those individuals were found to live in the area or otherwise be doing nothing wrong. Despite that, he encourages everyone to contact RCMP if you see someone suspicious or notice suspicious activity.

Case said there are other challenges with police for things like mental health supports and addictions that “probably shouldn’t fall within the policing mandate.” He recognizes that it often falls on RCMP first because many communities don’t have the resources necessary to turn to them immediately.

“Mental health situations fall into our lap a lot,” Case explained. “Mental health is not a crime; it is a medical issue that needs to be dealt with by medical professionals, but we get involved when people are a risk to themselves or others, and they do not voluntarily go for the medical treatment or assessment they need.”

The same is often true of homelessness. Case said while homelessness isn’t as large of an issue as it is in larger centres, there are a few people in the community that are essentially homeless. He said some wander the streets and can become a nuisance, prompting calls to the RCMP. Police intervention isn’t always warranted as being a nuisance isn’t necessarily a crime, but it can turn into one.

Fentanyl has been a hot topic of late, and Case said Melfort is no stranger to the dangerous drug.

“In the somewhat recent past, we have had fentanyl overdoses which has resulted in fatalities within our detachment area,” Case said.

When drugs are seized from someone that has been arrested, fentanyl is commonly contained within. He said fentanyl is a reality in the drug world these days. When asked why fentanyl was so prevalent, Case said the drug is inexpensive and easy to obtain. There is another reason, however.

“The whole idea behind fentanyl is to get customers of the drug dealers addicted,” Case explained. “Fentanyl is highly addictive, and that assures repeat customers.”

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Head of Melfort RCMP discusses property crime, drugs, repeat offenders

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