Crime decreasing but still a problem in rural Alberta

Crime decreasing but still a problem in rural Alberta

By Greg Dunn

Rural crime in southern Alberta declined last year, according to a May 2024 statement from the RCMP.

“When comparing January to March to the same period in 2023, crime against people, property crimes and criminal code offences overall are down substantially,” the RCMP states.

The force adds that:

  • break and enters fell 18.4 per cent;
  • motor vehicle thefts decreased 21.9 per cent; and
  • instances of theft under $5,000 dropped 17.7 per cent.

“That meant from January to March 2024, compared to the same time in 2023, there were 76 fewer persons crime offences, 213 fewer property crime offences and 373 fewer total criminal offences,” the RCMP states.

Rural crime is an issue across Canada

Across Canada, rural Canadians are experiencing more crime than their urban peers, according to a 2023 Statistics Canada report.

“For many, including those in the media and in academic research, the general perception of crime is that it is an urban issue,” states the report. “Conversely, rural areas are seen as an escape from the city, places that are quiet and free from social problems.

“However, when considering population size, people living in rural areas are more likely to be impacted by crime,” the StatsCan report explains. “In 2021, rural police services served about 15 per of the population in Canada’s 10 provinces, but they reported 21 per cent of all Criminal Code and other federal statute offences.”

The survey found rural residents reported:

  • 24 per cent of violent crimes;
  • 18 per cent of property crimes;
  • 30 per cent of Criminal Code traffic offences;
  • 23 per cent of other Criminal Code offences;
  • 18 per cent of drug offences; and
  • 34 per cent of other federal statute offences.

Break and enters and thefts, especially motor vehicle thefts, have become a major cause of concern in rural areas, according to StatsCan.

“Overall, the rates of break and enter were 21 per cent higher in rural areas than in urban areas in 2021 … Similarly, the rates of motor vehicle theft were eight per cent higher in rural areas … however, break and enters are one of the crimes that posted the largest decrease from 2011, with the rate dropping by 41 per cent in rural areas.”

The report states that “the rates of break and enter and motor vehicle theft were higher in the Prairie provinces, especially Alberta. In 2021, police reported 769 break and enter incidents per 100,000 population in rural Alberta … similarly, police reported 558 incidents of motor vehicle theft per 100,000 population in rural Alberta, a rate seven times higher than that recorded in rural Prince Edward Island.”

The higher crime rate in rural areas was mainly because of the high number of assaults, mischief and incidents related to disturbing the peace, the study found, adding “these common offences were reported approximately two to three times more often by police services serving a predominantly rural population.”

Higher homicide rate in rural Alberta

The report notes that the annual homicide rate of 2.22 homicides per 100,000 population in rural Alberta exceeds the 1.64 homicides per 100,000 population rate in urban Alberta.

“However, during the same period, the rate of attempted murder was lower in rural areas (1.7 per 100,000 population) than in urban areas (2.1).”

When I wrote about rural crime in December 2022, I noted that the overall crime rate is 38 percent higher in rural Alberta than it is in urban areas, based on information released that year by StatsCan.
I also noted that the RCMP has created four regional teams in Alberta to tackle rural crime. Now police are looking into how to use drones to investigate crimes in rural areas.

A January 2024 news report states, “In some cases, the drones – capable of reaching more than 80 kilometres an hour – can beat police to a scene by five minutes or more, and prepare officers and emergency services for the scene they’re approaching.”

They are also much cheaper to purchase and fly than helicopters, the story adds, and they can read licence plates with “remarkable clarity.”

An RCMP officer notes that “he’s looking forward to the technology reaching a point where the drones can fly greater distances and help monitor rural crimes.”

Rural crime incidents in Alberta

  • A large amount of cocaine and 15 firearms were seized after police searched a home in the hamlet of Dewberry, Alta., as well as a residence in Edmonton, according to a February 2024 news report. The two rural suspects were believed to be selling drugs in the Lloydminster area and both have been charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking. One has been charged with possession of proceeds of crime while the other faces several firearms offences. Along with the 15 firearms (three handguns and one prohibited rifle), police seized $40,000 worth of cocaine and $2,285 cash.

  • Police charged three rural residents in April 2024 after an attempted break-in in the Thorsby area. According to a news report, a search of their properties led to the discovery of $440,000 worth of stolen property. That included two camping trailers, snowmobiles, quads, a boat, a hot tub, construction equipment and multiple vehicle trailers. Police also seized a nine mm Beretta gun, 682 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 70 grams of cocaine. One man is now facing 64 charges with the two others facing approximately a dozen charges each.

What to do if you are charged

Police do not need a warrant to arrest you if they have evidence that leads them to believe you committed an offence. Police can also search anyone they lawfully arrest and seize anything in their possession.

If you are arrested, officers must tell you that you have a right to remain silent and that any statement you make can be used against you. They must also inform you of your right to speak to a lawyer and they must provide you with the means of making contact, such as letting you use a telephone.

A lawyer can advise you on the charges and legal process you are involved in. They will not be with you when police interrogate you. However, you have the legal right to politely decline to answer any questions officers ask except about your identity.

Call us for assistance

Any criminal charge can lead to serious consequences, including a criminal record and incarceration. The team at Dunn & Associates can provide quality and affordable criminal defence legal services to our clients, ensuring you receive fair treatment within our judicial system. Contact us for a free consultation.