Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River (Apr 12/04) - Crime statistics in Hay River for the first three months of 2004 have generally increased over the same period last year.

However, Sgt. Don Fisher of the RCMP cautions the numbers don't indicate a crime wave in the community.

"The increase isn't as grave as the numbers might indicate," he said, explaining a large part of the rise is due to improved record-keeping.

"Having said that, I also feel there has been an increase in a general sense," he said.

Fisher appeared before town council on April 5 to update the community on the crime statistics.

The number of break and enters more than doubled. Break-ins at businesses went from three to 12, and from six to 11 at residences.

"I'm a little bit concerned about that," Fisher said.

There was only a "minimal" increase in offences against persons, such as assaults, he noted. From January to March, there were 55 offences, compared to 51 in the same period last year.

Property offences -- including theft and fraud -- more than doubled from 35 to 74.

Drug offences decreased from nine to seven.

In all, there was a one-third increase in total Criminal Code offences from 205 to 312.

"I think it's a trend we have to keep an eye on," Fisher said.

The sergeant also noted there will be a fairly large turnover at the detachment this summer, with about half the members transferring out, including himself.

However, he said the transfers will be staggered to minimize the impact on operations.