Dear editor,

In mid-August, I had a frank conversation with an RCMP officer about the incidence of crime and other unsavory activities in the Comox Valley.

Here is a synopsis of the conversation:

This year, as of mid-August, the number of 鈥渇iles鈥� opened has increased significantly. ( understand that a file is when the RCMP are contacted about an incident, be it a bike theft, an abuse issue, disorderly conduct, a break-in, shop-lifting and any number of offenses both minor and more serious.)

He said that this year, as of mid-August, the number of files opened is well over 13,000 and that officers are overwhelmed by the numbers.

He also added that the Valley has become a destination for individuals moving here from other parts of the Island.

Over the past few years, a lot has been published about crime in the Valley, and it is a matter of opinion as to how safe or unsafe the Valley is.

What is clear however, is that the incidence of anti-social activities has been increasing over the past six or seven years.

I cannot help but think that the citizens of the Valley have the right to know what is happening in their community and what town councils and the RCMP are doing to address the matter.

If I have misquoted the officer I spoke to any way, I apologize, but the above is my take on the conversation.

Robert A.

Comox Valley

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