Cochrane has seen a sharp rise in domestic violence since December that appears to be part of a trend in Alberta.

In the detachment's annual report to town council, S. Sgt. Dave Brunner, acting commander of the Cochrane RCMP detachment, says it's a disturbing trend that may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It is somewhat concerning," said S. Sgt. Brunner. "It's also a trend other centres are seeing throughout the province."

During 2019, 46 per cent of 1,071 files opened by Cochrane and Area Victim Services were related to domestic violence. Of those, 65 per cent, or 323, were from Cochrane.

Crime statistics within Cochrane for 2019 remain comparable to the six-year average with a trending decrease of total Criminal Code offenses of 13 per cent.

Motor vehicle collisions, reportable property damage, impaired driving, and other moving violations remain the top file types of the local detachment.

He says property offenses remain a detachment priority and prove to be among the most challenging crimes to solve.

Many of the criminals targeting residents are transient offenders, several with addiction problems, who are searching for unlocked vehicles or items.

"They strike quickly and disappear, pawning the stolen items to support their addiction," Brunner explained.

"When arrests are made, members locate illegal weapons, firearms, and drugs, which elevates the risks to police and the general public."

Yet overall, Cochrane remains one of the safest places to live in Canada. He says it confirms what was included in a Maclean's magazine article.

"Nothing jumps off the page saying alarm bells should ring for anybody."

"These are things that some cities in Canada would die to have as their top four record complaints," he said. 

From January to December 2019, the RCMP opened 7, 031 files. Last year, 6,619 files were opened. In a five-year snapshot, 2016 was the lowest, with 6,251 files.

He says the detachment has gone through a significant transition in personnel over the year and saluted its staff.

"To the credit the municipal and federal employees, we have stood strong, providing, I think, the citizens of Cochrane a very credible service and done some very fine things in the community."