Crime rates in Taber are returning to pre-pandemic levels. A report from the Taber Police Service shows crime was down during the peak of the pandemic and the notes 2020 was “an anomaly unlike anything seen in many decades.”
Stats for 2022 show an increase in four of five crime categories. Offenses against people increased by 10 per cent in a year, with a total of 88 in 2021 and 97 in 2022. The police service says this increase shows Taber is still a safe community.
Drug offenses increase by 36 per cent and the report notes cocaine and opioid possession and trafficking are the biggest issues in that category. There were a total of 22 drug offenses in 2021 and 30 in 2022 in the community.
“A continued focus on drug education, community partnerships, particularly the work of the school resource officer, and building resiliency in youth, will be an important tool to assist in this issue,” notes the report.
Property crimes increase by 15 per cent, going from 228 in 2021 to 262 in 2022. The report says police are focused on addressing property crimes fueled by addictions.
Bail and probation violations made up the largest increase year over year, at 627 per cent. In 2021, there were 15 offenses reported and in 2022, there were 109.
The conclusion of the report notes it is expected 2023 stats will be closer to the community’s five-year average, especially when compared to pre-pandemic crime rates.