Hot Spots For Crime Highlighted

Computer Mapping Helps Police Response

The computer generated maps highlight hot spots, a term used to describe areas of concentrated criminal activity. These maps were prepared by the Nanaimo RCMP criminal analyst  in response to a significant increase in theft from vehicles over a period of time. They also show secondary offences associated with this crime, such as theft of valtag numbers and licence plates.

“The maps are extremely useful to our members. It allows them to see what areas are being hit and to prepare a response that best utilizes their time and Detachment resources,”said Constable Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson for the Nanaimo RCMP.

The maps cover the period of May 1 to August 31st 2010. During that period 549 occurrences were reported or 31 per week. For the period preceding that, January to April 2010, there were 332 occurrences or 19.4 per week. “That’s a significant increase. As a result of this information, our members stepped up patrols, utilized Bait Cars and targeted certain criminals who engage in these types of offences. They also relied on our COPS program and the media to address the issue. It is an ongoing issue with seasonal ebbs and flows but  it is one the Nanaimo RCMP is commited to addressing and managing,"said O'Brien.

The blue dots shown on the maps show areas where a credit card was fraudulently used after being stolen from a car in that area. In September 2010, the numbers dropped slightly to 27.3 per week ,the slight decrease being attributed to a number of factors, including weather and mobility. Mobility takes into consideration tourism and criminality associated to seasonal tourism. Weather is self evident and does take into consideration kids going back to school and the cooler nights . “This issue is still being addressed and we are constantly looking at various crime prevention initiatives and enforcement techniques to deal with this issue,” said O’Brien.

Many of these vehicles broken into were unlocked, thus ,highly preventable. Others had valuables in them which make them desirable to criminals. Some areas that were highlighted were in the downtown core , Rosehill, Terminal and Stewart Ave. Some subdivisions off of Rosstown Rd were also targeteted, several areas in Harewood were also favored sites, namely the area around Vancouver Island University and in subdivisions off of Ninth St.

To Download Map of Downtown Hot Spots Click Here

To Download Map of North End Hot Spots Click Here