While crime continues to be a problem in the city of Port Alberni, the crime rate in the rural areas remains among the lowest in the province.
That was the information brought to the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District by Port Alberni RCMP Officer-in-Charge Brian Hunter, who said the low crime rate is something to be proud of.
Statistics from the second quarter show a continued decline in total criminal code offenses in the regional district areas, but there has been a slight increase in calls over the past few days due to the heat.
Hunter said drinking drivers continue to be a problem in the Alberni Valley, and his detachment has partnered with Central Island Traffic Services to increase rotating roadblocks, and the RCMP Marine Unit is active on Sproat Lake and the Alberni Inlet.
He said drunk driving charges have jumped by 75% compared to the same period last year, with 14 charges in the past 3 months.