A Portage la Prairie neighbourhood was quiet Thursday, however simply days earlier, a house on Oak Bay was the scene of a focused double murder.,
The victims have been a pair of their 30s and 40s.
“I believe any time you hear one thing like that occuring it sends a shockwave via the group,” Portage la Prairie mayor, Sharilyn Knox, mentioned.
Knox says it’s disheartening to know this stuff are occurring however says her metropolis is dealing with comparable points as the remainder of Manitoba.
“We all know one of many points with crime is drug-related and I imply there’s are drug points in our province, throughout the nation and we’ve seen actual modifications through the years as to what meaning,” Knox mentioned.
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This 12 months, within the jurisdiction of Manitoba RCMP, Mounties are investigating 55 homicides — almost double the quantity of final 12 months, which was 33.
Among the instances from this 12 months embrace mass killings in Carman and McCreary and two current instances of human stays being discovered on rural properties.
Criminologist Frank Cormier says it may be difficult to know why some years see a rise in violent crime.
“Till we have now a number of years of knowledge, it’s very troublesome to determine whether or not there’s a bigger pattern happening and if there’s one thing we are able to do about it or whether or not it’s an anomaly,” Cormier mentioned.
Nevertheless it’s not simply homicides that smaller Manitoba communities, like Portage la Prairie, are seeing. Native grocery retailer proprietor Lori Miller says they cope with shoplifters, an issue that’s gotten worse lately.
“With the price of groceries rising persons are struggling, and particularly this time of 12 months when your pocketbooks are tight, we discover a rise as a result of persons are getting a bit extra determined,” Miller mentioned.
To assist with crime, Portage la Prairie carried out a group security officer program final 12 months. Miller, together with the mayor, says it’s been an ideal useful resource.
“We now have 4 officers now working and a supervisor in that place and we’re actually rapidly seeing the constructive results of that and we all know it’s going to proceed,” Knox mentioned.
However with regards to long-term options, Knox is seeking to Ottawa.
“Till we get the federal authorities on board with bail reform, we’re going to be swimming upstream.”
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