The number of incidents of theft, break and enters, and mischief in Martensville during the months of February and March, 2020 was similar to the same period the year before, according to Martensville RCMP Sergeant Curtis Little.
In a report to the Martensville City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 21, Little said in February, 2020 there were three motor vehicle thefts, one break and enter, three thefts over $5,000, six thefts under $5,000 and four incidents of mischief. For the same month in 2019, there were three break and enters, two motor vehicle thefts, two thefts over $5,000, three thefts under $5,000 and 16 incidents of mischief.
In March, 2020, there were 11 incidents of mischief, compared to seven mischief reports in March 2019.
There were two break and enters in March 2020 compared to zero in March 2019.
There was one vehicle theft in March 2020 compared to five vehicle thefts in March 2019.
Little said there has been a slight increase in the number of break and enters in commercial businesses, and fewer break-ins in residences. The change reflects the fact that many businesses are closed during the pandemic.
Little said the number of collisions and traffic violations during March was down considerably from the same period last year, largely because there were fewer vehicles on the roads due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Little told the council meeting that it’s “business as usual” for the Mounties.
“We have the same amount of officers on duty now as we usually do,” said Little.
He noted that none of the officers in the Warman RCMP Detachment, which also includes the City of Warman and the rural area north and west of Saskatoon, have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
He said police officers are enforcing the physical distancing and other restrictions mandated by the provincial government and the Saskatchewan Health Authority. However, he noted, there have been no charges laid in connection with those restrictions.
“We’re giving people gentle reminders, and they’re complying with the rules,” said Little.