Popular social media channels in Portage la Prairie have been buzzing recently with many users wondering aloud what is happening in the city in terms of crime, with a number of major incidents in recent weeks.

Portage la Prairie Mayor Irvine Ferris says the number of recent serious crimes are certainly of concern, but notes statistics suggest the perception crime is on the rise may not be reality.

“Actually, our crime stats this year are very similar to last year and the year before, so there hasn't been a huge spike. Our stats actually are a lot lower now than they were in the early 2000s,” Mayor Ferris explains. “Now, that being said, when you have a couple of high profile incidents, such as the barricade last week, I don't blame people for thinking or feeling it might be higher.”

Increased reporting on crime and the rise of social media are also contributing factors that may further create the perception crime is increasing, Ferris notes. 

“In recent years, the RCMP have been more public in reporting crime rates, so the perception is the crime rate is rampant,” Portage's Mayor explains. “But it's often just we're hearing more about these crimes due to reporting and social media.”

“Over the last one or two years, the RCMP began doing weekly reports, it's something we felt the public have a right to know about,” continues Ferris. “This is information that's available now that wasn't available a few years ago.”

METH USE UP?
Ferris adds, there's been indication from the RCMP crystal meth use is increasing in Portage and it has also been present during some recent major crimes.

“One of the things the RCMP has shared is that there is an increase in the use crystal meth and several of these crimes have been committed by people under the influence of crystal meth,” Ferris notes. “That's a factor in some of these high profile ones.”

A COMMUNITY EFFORT
Ferris commends the RCMP for the work they've done in handling recent serious incidents, such as the police standoff in Oak Bay last week or the city-wide lockdown in late June where a man believed to be armed roamed the streets of Portage. However, Portage la Prairie's Mayor says there's a role for everyone to play to help combat crime.

“I certainly urge citizens to do more than just talk about crime, but get involved,” he says. “There's lots of opportunities. We have the most active Citizens on Patrol chapter in the province. It's been around many, many years and I know they're looking for more members. They do everything from residential checks to patrols, and that goes a long way into lowering our crime statistics and keeping our community safer.”

“There's also neighbourhood watch, or a number of other ways citizens can get involved,” Ferris continues. “It's take a whole community, efforts by all of us to make our community safe.”