Despite the spike in violent crimes, RCMP Inspector Brian Hunter says Port Alberni is safe.
He said people should have no fear to walk through parks since almost all assaults are between people who know each other, and are fueled by drugs and alcohol.
Hunter told City Council yesterday that it’s unfortunate that recent crime statistics reflect negatively on an otherwise fairly peaceful community.
As we first reported last week, violent crime exploded by a whopping 65% in the first quarter of 2019, as assault complaints more than doubled, from 39 to 81.
Mayor Sharie Minions said she’s often explaining the story behind the statistics to potential residents and investors.
Drug debts and drunken accusations are behind the frightening spike in assault cases that are currently making their way through the courts.
Last week, three men were accused of egregious assaults in the lower Burde Street area against people they knew, but the facts can’t be reported yet until they proceed to trial.
