DAWSON CREEK, BC -- A group calling themselves “Citizens take Action,” which formed in response to what they call a growing problem of property crime, appeared before Dawson Creek council this morning.
Group members presented a letter to council outlining their frustrations with the increase in crime, and a lack of information on ongoing investigations from the RCMP.
Member Doug Scott said, “We feel we have no choice but to take it upon ourselves and actively try to stop crime in our community.”
This comes just one week after Dawson Creek RCMP warned the public of an alleged vigilante group forming in the city.
Interim Detachment Commander Sgt. Jaime Moffat also appeared before council, and once again urged the public not to take matters into their own hands. Sgt. Moffat also reminded the public that police cannot release information about an investigation to anyone not involved in the incident.
Dawson Creek RCMP previously warned that those who take matters into their own hands could face criminal charges, and could also impede police investigations.
Sgt. Moffat presented crime statistics at the council meeting as well, revealing that calls for service are up 8.6% within Dawson Creek compared to last year. Calls for theft of vehicle have increased by 54%; calls for theft from vehicle have increased by 33%. Calls for break and enter to business have also increased by 138%; however, calls for break and enter to residence have decreased by 4%.
