The City of Dawson Creek says RCMP efforts to curb violent crime are working, following assistance from the Lower Mainland Gang Enforcement Team, the Prince George Regional General Investigation Section, the Prince George Major Crime Unit, and resources from the Fort St. John and Williams Lake Detachments.
"The suppression and enforcement efforts over the past few months have shown a significant decrease in violence, particularly in firearm offences. Drugs and multiple firearms have been taken from the hands of alleged offenders and the efforts from the Dawson Creek Detachment and supporting RCMP units will continue as we move into the Spring of 2024," wrote the municipality in a press release.
The city continues to be in constant contact with Dawson Creek RCMP senior management, they added, and say they take pride in open communication with the public, but also noted the police's ability to share information is limited during active investigations.
"The RCMP and the City recognize the public's fear with the nature of the current events and how difficult it is to wait for the release of information. Measures are in place to ensure the public's safety while these investigations continue," they further wrote.
"The public's safety continues to be at the forefront of our priorities, and guides Mayor and Council's efforts to advocate for our community to higher levels of government."
Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, like many communities across B.C., have been dealing with an increase in crime over the past year, with shootings in both cities, and conflicts spilling over into residential areas.
A Jan. 8 homicide was committed in Fort St. John, involving four vehicles in a drive-by shooting, which RCMP said they believe is gang related. The victim was Norman Chase Smith, and succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while a residence on 99th Ave, at 90th St, was struck by two bullets during the shooting.
The spike in crime has been brought to the attention of South Peace MLA Mike Bernier, who intends to raise the issue in Victoria, and spoke with Dawson Creek city council about it during their Jan. 15 meeting.
“This is not going to be solved by one person or one group, this is going to be a collective, I think as a community and all different organizations working together to not only talk about some of the challenges, but look for solutions,” Bernier said.
