Mounties pleased with outcome of New Years Eve celebrations

Nanaimo

2025-01-10 08:06 PST

File # 2024

Overall the Nanaimo RCMP were relatively pleased with the behaviour of revelers during New Years Eve.

Most downtown nightclubs were only half full while other clubs elected not to open. No incidents of violence or significant disturbances were reported and the majority of patrons had departed downtown by 3 am via taxi, U-rides, designated drivers or on foot.

The file count including incidents of fireworks were also reduced. From 6 PM to midnight there were only twenty-eight calls for service as compared to the usual 50-60. The weather may have played a factor but one thing is certain that the officers who were working were not complaining. said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP

The downside of the evening was five drivers who chose to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by either alcohol or drugs. Of the five Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRPs) issued, four were for alcohol and one for drugs.

Impaired driving statistics were also recently compiled. Statistics for 2024 show a thirty-two percent reduction of impaired driving incidents in Nanaimo from 2023 (see attached chart). This reduction is attributed to less proactive traffic enforcement by officers assigned to the Municipal Traffic Unit. Their Unit numbers have recently been depleted due to various injuries and officers being tasked with investigating several fatal collisions. We would like to think that drivers were getting the message about not driving while impaired but that’s probably not the case. said O’Brien.

Released by:

Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Follow Us: