The Portage RCMP detachment has released its fourth quarter stats for the RM of Portage la Prairie. Staff Sgt. Rob Vachon says during the last three months of 2016, there were 27 property crimes reported and four break-and-enters. Vachon notes in addition they had 577 tickets for traffic violations, 41 traffic collisions, 15 impaired drivers, and 44 provincial or federal statutes. He says there were also 73 common police activities, which include people looking for criminal record checks and assisting the general public with minor issues.

Vachon adds when the warm weather hit in December they began to see some garages and sheds being broken into, along with a rise in attempted vehicle thefts. He says they've already arrested a couple of individuals but it's good to remind everyone to secure their stuff. Vachon notes you should make sure everything is locked up and never leave any high-priced articles in your vehicle.