Williams Lake RCMP actually had less calls this spring than last year, but have seen greater number of disturbances in the city.
And while dramatic social media posts on crime in the city's core may give the impression it is a dangerous place to be, not all crime is on the rise.
RCMP stats suggest recent high-profile incidents being shared on social media are indicative of a shift in the types of issues, but not an overall increase in crime.
From Jan. 1, 2024 to April 24, 2024, Williams Lake RCMP received 2,204 calls for service within the city limits.
From Jan. 1, 2025 to April 24, 2025, they received 2,102 calls for service within the city, 102 fewer calls from the previous year.
Within these same time periods, however, there has been almost a doubling of "cause a disturbance" calls, explained Insp. Robert Lake, Williams Lake RCMP.
"I can say that overall calls for service in the city have gone down," explained Lake, but noting the disturbance calls had gone up from 35 in 2024 to 69 in 2025 over the same time period.
However, RCMP admit they cannot speak for incidents which were not reported to RCMP, so if property crime issues are going unreported, this may not be reflected in the statistics.
Lake also clarified the law regarding open drug consumption.
"With the changes in legislation, it is not legal to consume controlled drugs and substances in public spaces, or anywhere outside the three prescribed exemption zones, being a designated Health Care Clinic, unhoused or sheltering camps in accordance with all applicable laws, or within a private residence," Lake explained.
He said the RCMP are committed to meeting the needs of the public and will make every effort to increase RCMP presence in the downtown core.
"Understanding that files will continue to be triaged based on level of urgency," he said.
