Dawson Creek RCMP encourage reporting all crimes to police

 The Dawson Creek RCMP is aware of a group that has formed in the area referred to as the Vigilante Group or a Group of Concerned Citizens.

The Dawson Creek RCMP understand the frustration and concerns being voiced by many in our community who are becoming increasingly frustrated by the ongoing property crime. Every time someone falls victim to having their property stolen, it impacts them and their family, those around them and the wider sense of safety within the community.

Dawson Creek RCMP want to inform the public that police are aware and are working hard at addressing the issue at hand. Police investigations have become complex and so has the degree of evidence required to be presented to the courts to conduct a fair and just legal process. Our officers require time to collect and prepare evidence within strict legal standards to support criminal charges. While we understand that the citizens of the community want immediate action and results our officers cannot circumvent the law. Each of our officers take their job seriously and want the best outcome for each victim and our community.

Those who take matters into their own hands, put themselves and the community as a whole at risk. These actions could result in criminal charges of the person taking matters into their own hands. These actions may cause the person civil liabilities. These actions further limit our Detachment’s resources and impede active investigations and legal proceedings.

We want our communities to work with us in a legal and safe way. We encourage our citizens to continue to observe and report to us, and participate in the court process. We will not condone vigilante type activities and we need to work together as a community in a lawful manner if we are to move toward lasting solutions.
It is important to report all incidents to the Dawson Creek RCMP 250-784-3700, or 911 if emergent or through Online Crime Reporting at ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/dawsoncreek/en

Released by Sgt. Jaime Moffat Dawson Creek RCMP