Port Alberni a “violent community”

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City Council received an update on the local crime rate last night from Port Alberni RCMP Inspector Kim Bruce.

The statistical update was the first in 2 years, and showed a 70% increase in criminal cases so far this year, with sexual assaults, assaults and drug calls up according to Inspector Bruce.

“This is a violent community, and the violence in this community can sometimes be gratuitous and quite serious; the stakes are quite high,” she said. “Port Alberni is reputed to be one of the most dangerous communities on Vancouver Island, and that 1 in 9 persons in Port Alberni risks being a victim of crime. We’re doing all we can to try to deal with the problems that are plaguing Port Alberni.”

Bruce said Port Alberni’s crime rate is more than double the average rate and second only to Prince George in BC.

She said many of the cases are related to drug use and mental health issues, and the number of officers locally has not increased in more than 20 years despite the increased demands.