The RCMP says crime province-wide was down three per cent for 2017, compared to 2016.
Data released by the Canadian Centre for Justice Stats on Monday shows property crime decreased five per cent, while homicides in RCMP detachment areas were also down from 35 in 2016 to 22 in 2017.
However, firearm-related crimes skyrocketed 71 per cent last year, while Mounties say this is trending downward for 2018.
The City of Regina is reporting crime too is on the decline, as only sexual assaults and drug crimes were up. Chief Evan Bray says the #MeToo movement and other factors, such as methods of reporting are seeing more sexual assaults reported.
Drug offences in the capital were up two per cent.
“It has less to do with marijuana and more to do methamphetamine, which is a big one in our community. Opioids and obviously fentanyl, we know the dangers that brings to our community,” Bray said. “We need to be able to try to find ways to help those that are addicted. If we can do that, I think that cuts the legs off the drug market in our city.”
In the Battlefords, RCMP say violent crime is up 14 per cent through increases in robbery and firearms-related occurrences. Break and enter and mischief complaints are also up marginally.
(PHOTO: RCMP. File photo.)