The Rosetown RCMP is reminding residents to be mindful this holiday season. Sgt. Jason Waldner said safety is the number one priority.  

“We definitely want everybody to have a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season, but the biggest point is to get where they're going safely. Christmas is a tough time of year for several folks as it is, but we don't want to add to it by rushing to where we're going or taking the choice or chance of drinking and driving or using drugs and driving.” 

Sgt. Waldner also said the police will be out and about this holiday season. 

“The biggest thing is if you're traveling this Christmas over the season is to ensure that you're doing it safely and sober. We are going to be out lots; we're going to be doing as many check stops as we can checking for sobriety. Not only these motorists, but other motorists that are not choosing to indulge to get to where they're going safely as well.” 

“If people see anything suspicious to please report it, because although we wish that the Santa will bring the present of no crime for the holidays, unfortunately there are going to be some that are going to try and take advantage. But what we want is everybody to be in our eyes out there as well. So, if they see anything suspicious, please call it in so we can go and check it out and hopefully everybody will have a really great Christmas.” 

Rural crime has been a slow increase according to Sgt. Waldner. 

“It's been a slow increase, from COVID. We saw a significant decrease with COVID because everybody was home and there wasn't a whole lot of traveling with the restrictions and all that, but we are starting to see slight increases and our neighboring detachments as well. They're starting to see increases if they haven't already, it’s kind of gotten back up to norm.” 

Sgt. Waldner ended our conversation stating to report anything they see which may seem suspicious, no matter how small they think it is.  

“We are again just asking people just to be diligent, lock up everything, safeguard your valuables and report. That's the most important thing, because we can't be ever at once. If people feel that oh, it's not worth the police's time. Or you know what they might not do anything. Anyhow, I'd like to get rid of that myth. We want to know, because you never know. And that piece is going to fill in the puzzle, or we might have some other information that might lead us down the path to hold somebody accountable and then stop future incidences.”