Ponoka RCMP release crime stats for Q1 2025

PONOKA -- Ponoka RCMP have released their crime statistics for the first quarter of 2025. 

The stats indicate a mixed bag as far as crime trends go, as some categories saw decreases when compared to last year, while others rose substantially. According to the RCMP's data, the most glaring increase came in the amount of mischief cases recorded from January 1st to March 31st when compared to the same period in 2024. There were 96 cases of mischief during the first quarter of 2025, when compared to 50 during the same time last year -- an increase of 92 per cent. 

Ponoka RCMP also recorded an increase in the categories of assaults and motor vehicle thefts. For assaults, there were 38 during Q1, up from 28 during the first quarter of 2024. Vehicle thefts saw a marginal increase with three more instances recorded during the first three months of the year compared to Q1 2024. Like many other provincial jurisdictions, cases of theft-under-$5000 rose by 72 per cent from last year, and 48 per cent from 2021.

Meantime, several categories saw a decrease during the first quarter of 2025 when compared to 2024. Drug possession charges dropped from six to two, roadside suspensions due to alcohol fell from seven to four, and cases of spousal abuse declined from 48 to 40. Criminal harassment cases were also down, as there were ten during Q1 2025 compared to eighteen last year. It's also noted that there were fifteen people reported missing in Ponoka from January 1st to March 31st, down from 30 during the same period in 2024.

There have been zero offences relating to death in Ponoka over the past four years.