While property crimes have jumped by 20% in the city, surrounding rural areas have seen similar crimes drop by 30%
Port Alberni RCMP Inspector Brian Hunter says the Alberni Valley and west coast has one of the lowest rural crime rates in the province.
He said police have arrested and charged 42-year old Corey Porter with arson following a house fire in Beaver Creek last month, but overall there is very little crime in the regional district areas.