The crime rate on the Coast continues to point downward, reported Staff Sgt. Herb Berdahl at the Feb. 27 Sunshine Coast policing committee meeting.
"Generally speaking, our crime rate has been dropping consistently," said Berdahl.
The latest statistics released by the Sunshine Coast RCMP show notable declines in crimes against persons and property, as well as other criminal code and traffic violations.
Total calls for service in the month of January have dropped by 26 per cent over the past two years. Statistics from November and December show a similar trend.
Reported incidents under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act have, however, remained relatively stable.
"Drug use on the Sun-shine Coast has increased dramatically since I was a kid," said Berdahl when asked about drug use patterns. "We're seeing crack cocaine, cocaine generally, ecstasy."
Recently the detachment issued a warning to the public about ecstasy tablets, which have been found to contain PMMA (para-methoxy-methamphetamine) in lab samples, linked to sometimes fatal overdoses across the province.
RCMP award
Const. Ashley Taylor has been recognized with an outstanding performance award for her work with the Sunshine Coast First Nations community, said Berdahl.
"She's one of those people who just goes above and beyond," he said. "We're very proud of her."
A new reporting procedure has also come into effect, after being introduced by Lower Mainland district commander Norm Lipinski in November.
By taking a comparative statistical look at their numbers, the RCMP hope to measure violent crime and police activity, as well as accountability both internally and externally.
For the Sunshine Coast, this could mean a better understanding of where the 'hot spots' are, as well as being able to identify trends that may be occurring in the community, Berdahl said.
Transportation
The transportation advisory committee zeroed in on safety concerns in Roberts Creek during its Feb. 27 meeting.
One of the concerns came from the fire department, with worries about potential difficulties volunteers might experience when accessing the fire hall during an emergency.
The trouble relates to the traffic light on Highway 101 and Roberts Creek Road. Vehicles lining up at the light tend to block the entrance to the fire hall, a problem that is seemingly worsened by the short length of time drivers have to make left turns onto the highway.
Bike to work
Coasters will be encouraged to take their bicycles to work during the week of May 28 to June 3.
Last year the event saw more than 200 people participate, biking some 7,500 km and sparing the atmosphere as much as 1,700 kg of CO2 emissions.
Across the province, the campaign was estimated to have reduced 2011 CO2 emissions by 168,000 kg.
Community energy manager Johan Stroman estimated that last year's Bike to Work Week may have also created 30 new cyclists.
"There's lots of enthusiasm about the event," he told the committee, describing the week as one that could potentially involve a wide spectrum of community groups, including the RCMP, School District No. 46, BC Transit, provincial government and local parks and recreation facilities.
"There are lots of opportunities for synergies," he said. "It increases safety skills, reduces congestion."
