OPP calls in Guelph-Eramosa increased slightly last year, with incidents of mischief and minor thefts both up by 55%.
Included in the 68 mischief calls in 2008 – up from 44 in 2007 – were vandalism calls for things such as graffiti, which several councillors noted have increased lately, specifically in Rockwood.
But a lot of the thefts are “crimes of opportunity,” where people leave items in plain view, often in unlocked vehicles, OPP Acting Staff Sergeant MaryLouise Kearns told council at its last April meeting.
Overall calls to Guelph-Eramosa are up by just 1.5%, though the township remains the third busiest municipality in the township, after Centre Wellington and Wellington North.
Most types of crime were up slightly in 2008, though several were down from 2007, including:
– motor vehicle collisions, down 6% from 458 to 431;
– total alarms, down 7% from 202 to 187;
– liquor and drug incidents. down 11% from 54 to 48; and
– break and enters, down 24% from 53 to 40.
Councillors lauded the OPP for the job it does within Guelph-Eramosa.
“I think you do an excellent job for us with the limited staff that you have,” Reta Moyer told Kearns.
Councillor John Scott and Mayor Chris White agreed.
“I’ve had nothing but praise for the work you guys do,” White said.
Councillor Doug Breen said having a community relations officer makes all the difference in the world.
He told Kearns the number one thing council receives complaints about is speeding on local roads.
Kearns said she would take council’s comments back to local officers.
