Whitehorse RCMP, in an effort to advance several investigations, issued a news release about five break and enters to local businesses that occurred overnight July 17, 2024. Police have since updated the public on July 23 about an arrest made in regards to the possession of a stolen vehicle from one of these break ins, and the recovery of two other vehicles.
The break and enters to the businesses in the July 17 news release remain unsolved, there have been other break and enters in the downtown area that have been solved and charges laid. A 40-year-old Whitehorse man was charged with three counts of break and enter to three downtown area businesses that were broken into on separate occasions in July. Another 27-year-old Whitehorse man was charged with break and enter to a business located in the industrial area that occurred at the end of June. A 43-year-old Whitehorse woman, was charged with a break and enter to a local Whitehorse business and to a residence, both occurring on different dates in the month of July.
Whitehorse RCMP received 4382 calls for service from April 1 to June 30, 2023, the 2024 calls for service for the same quarter remained relatively the same at 4371.
The calls for service to police related to property crime in the same quarter have increased.
56 reported break and enter compared to 72; 123 reported theft under $5000 compared to 144. Vehicle thefts have also increased, 28 reported from April to June in 2023 and 45 reported in the same quarter this year. Thefts from motor vehicle went from 37 to 77; bicycle thefts from 13 to 34. Over half of the total police calls for service occurred in the downtown area in this timeframe.
Whitehorse RCMP is committed to intelligence led policing, and have certainly responded with downtown safety initiatives. Whitehorse Detachment members regularly conduct foot patrols in the downtown area and are conducting concentrated vehicle patrols in the downtown core during evening hours; in the recent 2024 April to June quarter, 144-foot patrols were conducted.
Car 867, a team comprised of a police officer and mental health nurse, has been expanded to include two teams of two and is now available seven days a week.
Whitehorse RCMP would like to thank those who report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. It certainly assists to have concerned citizens contact police to report crime and provide information that might assist with preventing and solving crime. We hear from people from time to time who said they saw something or had information but did not call the police because they assumed the police knew the information or that it was reported. Community members play an important role when they actively engage with police, they provide valuable insights and information which can lead to timely interventions and help solve investigations.
"Whitehorse Detachment officers are out there making patrols and getting involved in their community. Communities that act as the eyes and ears of the police play a vital role in enhancing public safety and fostering a collaborative environment. Observant community members provide valuable information about suspicious activities or potential threats, which can help law enforcement respond more effectively and proactively. This partnership not only aids in crime prevention but also builds trust between the police and the community, encouraging open communication and cooperation." Staff Sergeant Jill McLaren, Whitehorse Detachment Commander
Police encourage anyone with information about a crime to contact the RCMP. Whitehorse RCMP can be contacted at 867-667-5555. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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