NINA Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, on Wednesday noted that new Statistics Canada data shows B.C.’s Crime Severity Index is down for the second year in a row, nearly 12% lower than in 2023 and at its lowest level in years.

Krieger said in a statement: “This didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of sustained partnerships and investments in enforcement and intervention by our government, First Nations and local governments, police services, community organizations and businesses that are working together to build a safer province.

“This reduction is also the result of focused investments in policing, mental-health and addiction supports, housing and crime-prevention initiatives. As an example, crime severity in Kelowna, Kamloops and Chilliwack each dropped by 4%, with Nanaimo and Abbotsford-Mission dropping 1%. Extortion offences dropped by 7%, shoplifting 2%, child sexual abuse by 21% and mischief dropped by 1% in B.C.”

She added: “While these results are encouraging, we know there is more to do and we’re building on this work with new tools to target repeat offenders, organized crime and other serious issues our province is facing. This includes the introduction of the Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program, the expansion of the Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative and the recent provincewide launch of the Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative.

“We’re working with Ottawa to strengthen the Criminal Code and have successfully advocated for meaningful reforms to bail and the response to serious issues such as repeat violent offending, extortion, organized retail theft and crimes targeting businesses and critical infrastructure through Bill C-14, which is now law.

“We will continue to focus on initiatives that deliver lasting results that help keep our communities safe, resilient and welcoming for everyone.”