Coquitlam RCMP are not finding any evidence of a crime jump in the Tri-Cities due to the arrival of the SkyTrain but continue to be vigilant, according to a press release issued this week.
Police analysts compiled data for crime in the vicinity of Coquitlam stations on the Evergreen Extension and found just a 2% jump in property crimes and person crimes, including harassing communications and assaults, despite a 25% increase in people using transit.
The data covers a year of operation from December, 2016 to December, 2017.
Part of the reason crime is low is that Coquitlam is not a crime hot spot to begin with, said RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, who said issues could still rise as more people use transit.
If that happens, patrols working in the area will be prepared.
“It is the basis of prevention — you’re not going to have a situation where you are creating the perfect environment for crime to happen,” said McLaughlin.
The Uniformed Crime Reduction Unit (UCRU) was created, in part, to patrol the areas around SkyTrain stations and does targeted foot and bicycle patrols and gathers intelligence about suspicious activity or people.
UCRU members work with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police on crimes on trains, platforms and transit stations and in the community, which means RCMP officers will board a train if necessary.
The analysis covered a year of SkyTrain operation in the Tri-Cities and while exact numbers aren’t available, the statistics are based on calls in and around the four Coquitlam SkyTrain stations.
But no station stands out as a hotbed of crime, McLaughlin said, and no crime stands out as a particular issue.
However, police will continue to respond to calls to homes and businesses and keep track of issues.
People should call 911 if they see a crime in progress or 604-945-1550 for non-emergencies in areas served by the Coquitlam RCMP.
