Crime statistics in Summerland show a decrease in almost every category, according to the latest figures from the Summerland RCMP detachment.
According to the statistics, there were 543 calls for service in the fourth quarter of 2013, down from 582 in the same period a year earlier.
Throughout 2013, police responded to 2,562 calls for service, down from 2,697 in 2012.
Sgt. Stephane Lacroix said the drop in crime figures may be in part a result of a strong police presence in the community.
In almost every category, the number of criminal code offences showed a decline when compared with 2012 figures.
The total number of assaults in 2013 was 39, down from 41 in 2012.
Thefts from vehicles dropped dramatically from 51 in 2012 to 29 last year. The number of vehicle thefts also dropped from 25 to nine.
Throughout the year, 35 break and enters were reported, down from 40 a year earlier.
Other thefts dropped slightly from 65 to 63.
Mischief offences decreased from 121 to 64.
The number of sexual offences reported to police increased from none in 2012 to four in 2013.
Sgt. Stephane Lacroix of the Summerland RCMP detachment said these incidents include incidents of a historical nature being reported now and cases involving individuals who are known to each other.
Over the last quarter of 2013, police received six tips through Crime Stoppers about Summerland incidents. During the entire year, 11 Summerland-related Crime Stoppers tips were received.
“All tips are followed up by our members,” Lacroix sad.