The second week of December was a busy one for the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, who responded to 306 complaints and calls between Dec. 8 and 14. Among the big issues they dealt with were road safety, thefts, and drugs.
Road safety:
Four impaired driving investigations resulted in drivers being taken off the road. Two others were issued 24-hour prohibitions for driving while impaired by drugs.
One car was pulled over in
Duncan after it was seen travelling at speeds above 140km/h in a 60km/h zone. The car, a modified import model, was impounded for seven days and the driver was issued a $483 ticket.
Police also responded to eight separate motor vehicle incidents, with wet weather playing a part in five of them. There were no serious injuries, and alcohol did not appear to be a factor. The RCMP Traffic Section urged motorists to plan ahead.
"Slow down when the roads are wet, and drive according to the conditions of the roadway," Sgt. Chris Bear said. "You should take a taxi or have a designated driver if you plan on drinking. Alcohol and speed are two common contributing factors in motor vehicle accidents, both are preventable."
Thefts:
Seventeen thefts from vehicles were reported over the week. Seven of the vehicles were believed to have been left unlocked. Items taken included loose change, gift cards, groceries, a car stereo, phone chargers, licence plates and tools. Drivers are reminded not to leave valuables in their vehicles and to make sure their vehicles are locked and secure. During a call to keep the peace while someone was moving out of a residence in Duncan, one sharp-eyed officer spotted a mountain bike that had been reported stolen in November. It was one of several bikes in various states of disassembly in the residence, and has since been returned to its owner.
Drugs:
Two separate arrests in drug trafficking cases were made during the week. The drugs seized were believed to include cocaine, heroin and crystal meth. "The amounts of drugs seized were not large, but taking any amount of illicit drugs off the streets helps to make our community safer for everyone," Cpl. Jon Stuart said.