RCMP officials say rural crime has dropped substantially year-over-year in the majority of their Southern Alberta District (SAD).

When compared to the same period last year, from January to March 2024, there have been 76 fewer persons crime offences, 213 fewer property crimes offences, and 373 fewer total criminal code offences.

Break and enters have decreased 18.4 per cent, motor vehicle thefts are down 21.9 per cent and theft under $5,000 has dropped by 17.7 per cent.

Staff Sgt Laura Akitt, District Advisory NCO for SAD, states the statistics reflect the great work their members are doing to combat rural crime.

"We will continue to listen to the needs of the people we serve, working proactively towards the apprehension of those who commit crimes in our communities,” states Akitt in a news release.

They are encouraging residents to continue to be the eyes and ears for the police and ask them to immediately contact the local police should they witness a crime being committed. Locally, you can contact the Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www. P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.