The Mayor of Ritchot says there seems to be an increase in criminal activity throughout the entire municipality.

Chris Ewen reports they are seeing an increase in break-ins and stolen property and residents are reporting a lack of police presence within Ritchot.

Council for the RM of Ritchot sat down with members of St. Pierre RCMP Tuesday to discuss some of the recent crimes. Police report a rash of snowmobile thefts, including accessories in recent weeks. According to RCMP D Division, the detachments in St. Pierre and Steinbach are working jointly on the matter and the investigation is ongoing.

There was also an incident that happened in January involving shots being fired at the park in Grande Pointe. Police were notified January 21st that a light was shot at the south end of the park. Investigators believe someone shot it from the parking lot and then left the scene. Police say they do not know what type of firearm was used and there was no evidence left behind. No suspects were identified and the investigation has been completed.

Meanwhile, Ewen credits the work of one of their volunteer groups for helping solve a recent crime in Ile des Chenes. According to Ewen, there was a break-in at the local restaurant and hotel when their Crime Response Unit (CRU) was notified. The CRU had pagers linked to that alarm. When the page goes off, it is their responsibility to go down to the scene, flashlights, honk horns and call police. Thanks to their presence, Ewen says they were able to scare off the culprits and let police know which way they were headed. He notes with the help of the CRU, police were able to catch the thieves.

"I do want to thank the CRU for being there and always being there when they can be and I'd like to see more volunteers," he says.

Ewen also praises the work of their Citizens On Patrol Program within the municipality.

Ewen says even though many residents of Ritchot have a lack of faith in their RCMP, he encourages them to continue calling police anytime they see anything suspicious. At the same time, Ewen is asking police to respond to ratepayers who leave a tip. He says when people feel their tip isn't being taken seriously, they lose hope in the police service.