Vermilion RCMP respond to 263 calls for service in December

During the month of December 2023, Vermilion RCMP responded to 263 calls for service. Of those, 119 were related to traffic/vehicle complaints, 44 were related to property crimes, 29 were traffic collisions, 16 were crimes against persons, and eight were suspicious persons or vehicles. 

Of the property crimes, seven were related to mischief, 10 were break and enters, 11 were related to fraud, and two were stolen vehicles. In addition, 11 calls related to persons involving mental health concerns and 13 were related to spousal abuse.

During this period, Vermilion RCMP laid 92 charges including 57 criminal code offences, 34 provincial offences, and one controlled drugs and substances offences. Twenty-four of the criminal charges were related to persons crimes, 19 were related to failing to comply with conditions/court, six were related to property crimes, and six were related to firearms.

“As the weather starts to drop, we will be once again be conducting ‘Operation Cold Start’ in an effort to educate the public about the dangers of leaving an unattended vehicles running as well as leaving kids or pets unattended in the running vehicle,” says Sergeant Corey Buckingham, Vermilion RCMP Detachment Commander. 

“Over the course of my service, I have seen countless vehicles stolen as a result of ‘just running inside for a moment.’ I have also seen a handful of occasions where vehicles are stolen while young children are inside, which is a scary situation for everyone involved. Taking preventative measures now will reduce the risk of this happening to you. Thieves are typically looking for easy opportunities, so don’t give them one.”

To report a crime or suspicious occurrence, please contact Vermilion Detachment during business hours at 780-853-4441 or after hours at 780-853-5781. Business hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday excluding stat holidays. If it is an emergency, you can also call 911. Non-emergent crimes can be reported via the Alberta RCMP App which is available through the Apple App Store or Google Play.