KAWARTHA LAKES-Criminal incidents in the Lindsay area are at a three year high according to new statistics released to the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Services Board on Monday.
In July 2018 criminal incidents doubled from the previous year. There were 141 criminal incidents in July 2018 versus 64 in 2017. Drug incidents tripled from 3 last year to 9 in July 2018. “Overall it was just a busy month, some of that is attributed to changes in our statistical practices, we now enter all traffic charges onto Niche as well as tracking all service of documents, but much of that is increased call volumes.” said Chief Mark Mitchell  “Drug charges are up and we are seeing increased activity in town.”
Pat O’Reilly, a board member and city councillor asked how the opioid crisis is effecting crime rates in the city. “Is there any trend with the opioids or is it just the normal ongoing drugs?”
“We are certainly not immune to the opioid phenomenon and certainly seeing that trend develop in local use as well.” said Mitchell
Here is a breakdown of the drug charges from July:
Possession HEROIN
Possession for the purpose of trafficking COCAINE
Possession COCAINE
Possession CANNABIS
Possession for the purpose COCAINE
Possession for the purpose CARFENTANIL
Trafficking a controlled substance OPIATES
Trafficking a controlled substance OPIATES
Trafficking a controlled substance OPIATES
Assaults, frauds and theft under also increased in July.
Sick time by officers more than tripled last month as well.  “I can tell you that we are experiencing a higher number of members dealing with serious injuries and illnesses.” Sgt. Dave Murtha told Kawartha 411.  “In each situation we work with our member and a third party medical management firm to ensure our employee’s needs are being met and that they are able to return to work as soon as possible.”
