Previous to the COVID-19 Pandemic, calls for service from Langley City businesses and residents to the Langley RCMP was trending up. A call for service is recorded whenever anyone contacts the RCMP, typically via 911, the RCMP non-emergency line at 604-532-3200, or via the online crime reporting tool.
An increase in calls for service does not necessarily mean there is more crime in a community. For example, a campaign to report all suspicious activity to the RCMP could increase the number of calls for service, but not lead to an increase in reported crimes.
Since the start of the COVID-19 state of emergency, calls for service to the Langley RCMP from Langley City has decreased significantly.
| 2019 | 2020 | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1163 | 1113 | -4.3% |
| February | 1093 | 1150 | 5.2% |
| March | 1246 | 1269 | 1.8% |
| April | 1152 | 1084 | -5.9% |
| May | 1256 | 1072 | -14.6% |
| June | 1129 | 965 | -14.5% |
| July | 1358 | 1175 | -13.5% |
| August | 1359 | 1110 | -18.3% |
| September | 1248 | 1046 | -16.2% |
| October | 1301 | 1101 | -15.4% |
| November | 1272 | - | - |
| December | 1200 | - | - |
As I posted in the summer, overall report crime is also down in Langley City. It would seem that the COVID-19 Pandemic has resulted in less calls for service and less reported crime in Langley City.
There are two theories that I’ve heard. One is that with more people at home, the opportunity to commit property-related crime is down. The second theory is that with COVID-19 benefits from the federal government, some people may not be committing crimes to make ends meet. It would be interesting to see more research on this.
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