A theft that seems too minor to report could help police decide where to patrol next, the Battlefords RCMP commander said.
Insp. Ryan How is encouraging residents to use the RCMP’s online crime-reporting platform, saying some hesitate to report property crimes because they worry about wasting police time or doubt there will be consequences even if someone is arrested.
“I have to stress that it’s not an inconvenience to the police to know about or get these reports,” he said.
Police recorded 830 property offences in North Battleford between April and June 2026, up eight per cent from the same period a year earlier.
How said RCMP analysts examine information from calls for service to identify trends involving crimes and offenders. At the detachment, supervisors also exchange information with officers on other shifts to look for connections between incidents.
That information can help police concentrate foot patrols and other efforts to disrupt property crime in the areas experiencing the most problems, he said.
Online crime reports can be submitted through the RCMP’s online reporting portal at https://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/saskatchewan/en (Image Credit: RCMP/website)
The online platform, which is already in place, is intended for lower-priority incidents such as theft under $5,000 and vandalism, How said.
Residents can submit a report without visiting the detachment or first speaking with an officer.
“It can be done anytime, any place at the public’s convenience,” he said.
How said officers will follow up on reports, with the timing dependent on their workloads.
“So it could be a day or two or three before a follow-up happens, and that’s just simply because we’re dealing with our more serious files first, of course,” he said.
Police can also provide follow-up for insurance purposes, How said.
Unlike Crime Stoppers, the platform does not offer anonymity. How said it is intended for people reporting specific incidents affecting their homes or businesses.
He stressed that emergencies, crimes in progress and situations involving danger to the public must be reported through 911.
Residents can report eligible incidents through the RCMP’s online reporting portal.
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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com
