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Cranbrook, BC (July 15, 2024) – The Cranbrook RCMP presented the Q2 Report to Council at Monday’s regular Council meeting while also taking the time to introduce the detachment’s new Community Engagement Coordinator.

From April to June 2024, Cranbrook RCMP Detachment received a total of 2,075 reports to police, a slight decrease from the previous quarter. Reports of break and enters have decreased. Cranbrook RCMP received 18 reports of commercial break and enters (28% decrease) and 6 residential break and enters (50% decrease). Theft of vehicles was also down this quarter (7 reported incidents) along with reports of mischief (62 incidents).

Cranbrook RCMP conducted several proactive policing initiatives in Q2, including:

•    14 bar walk patrols in the downtown core to deter impaired driving and other incidents
•    44 proactive patrols to hot spot locations identified through reports to police and crime trends
•    36 traffic warnings issued
•    Monthly Business Engagement Meetings with representatives from the business community to discuss crime trends and the issues faced by the business community 

The Cranbrook RCMP also introduced Melody Munro, the detachment’s new Community Engagement Coordinator. Munro brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, including as a former Community Policing Constable at Cranbrook RCMP and Emergency Services Coordinator and Director with the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK). As the Community Engagement Coordinator, Munro will lead RCMP crime reduction and prevention programming including:

•    Launching the new Auxiliary program (formerly Auxiliary Constable Program)
•    RCMP Volunteer Programming:
      o    Citizens on Patrol – an observe-it report-it initiative where volunteers will be extra eyes and ears patrol the community
      o    Stolen Auto Recovery Program – trained volunteers utilizing a database which allows them to run license plates and search for stolen vehicles
•    Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Assessments
•    Crime Prevention and Education

“The addition of the Community Engagement Coordinator position will assist Cranbrook RCMP and the City of Cranbrook in playing a more effective role in crime prevention and reduction” says S/Sgt. Barry Graham, Detachment Commander of the Cranbrook RCMP. “Not only will this role increase the number of crime prevention programming, but it will also increase public engagement and visibility in the community.”

“This position directly aligns with Council’s strategic priority to build a safe and vibrant community in which to live and work,” says Mayor Wayne Price. “Melody’s addition to the Cranbrook RCMP will further assist the RCMP to prevent crime within our community and to provide valuable education and awareness.”