Prince George, B.C. – Overall crime was down in Prince George last year, but there is still some increased criminal activity in certain categories.

In the annual report to be presented to Prince George City Council this evening, Prince George detachment Superintendent Warren Brown says compared to 2013,   last year saw a significant increase in cases of vehicle theft, with a 28% hike in the instances of Theft of a vehicle over $5,000 and a 10% boost in the thefts of vehicles under $5,000.

There have also been increases in calls for mischief ( up 20%), Liquor Licensing Control Act (up 18%) and a 3% increase in calls about matters related to the Mental Health act.

But there is good news, as there   has been no increase in the number of murders ( one in 2013 and one in 2014), or sexual assaults which saw 64 reported in each of those two years.

The number of robberies reported is down by 10%, break and enters are down by12%, theft under $5,000 has been reduced by 10% , common assaults are down by 8%.

Overall, there has been a 13% decrease in the number of files started last year compared to 2013.

In the report, Superintendent Brown says the focus will include Community safety with the Domestic Violence unit, and the new Car 60 program which pairs police officers with mental health nurses; Organized crime reduction with a continuation of the prolific offender program and a focus on nuisance properties or crack shacks; and Traffic as there will be an effort to reduce the number of pedestrian/motor vehicle incidents in the city.