There was general agreement at city council’s meeting Monday that the rate of property crime in the city is rising.

Most council members took turns talking about the issue that was put on the table for discussion by Coun. Ted Laking.

“The issue of escalating property crime is one I have heard a lot about during the last couple of months,” he said. “And it does appear to be getting worse in the city.”

Laking recalled an RCMP press release of Oct. 5 noting that between Sept. 1 and Oct. 3, there were 27 break and enters.

Laking said he’s spoken to small business owners who are wondering if they’re next. He said he’s heard from women who are no longer comfortable or feel safe walking to their vehicles at night.

Those are stories that do not reflect the community he grew up in, Laking said.

The councillor said he recognizes the city’s bylaw officers are limited in what they can do because they do not have a mandate nor the authority to tackle criminal activity.

The city, said Laking, could be more assertive in serving as the ears and the voice of the City of Whitehorse which could take on a number of different avenues, including advocacy with the territorial government.

Laking said the city could bring together all the relevant groups to ensure everybody is working together as a community to address the criminal activity.

A solution could be as simple as improving street lighting, he suggested.

While enforcement is key, he said, also important is addressing or exploring other factors – such as what is causing the increase in crime.

He asked city administration about the nature of the relationship between the city and the RCMP, and whether the city has an opportunity to provide input and feedback.

Acting city manager Jeff O’Farrell told the newly elected Laking the mayor and council do meet quarterly with the RCMP.

The sessions are not just an exchange of information, he said, adding they provide an opportunity for members of council to articulate their perspectives and ask questions.

O’Farrell said it’s also common practice for the mayor to have an open line of communication with the RCMP’s commanding officer.

When issues manifest themselves, the mayor can interact with the commanding officer at any time on an as-needed basis, he said.

Landon Kulych, the acting director of community services, told council when it comes to criminal activity, bylaw officers serve in a supportive role.

They assist the RCMP with traffic control for public events like parades, or for traffic accidents, he said.

Coun. Michelle Friesen said she would like the city to think about crime prevention; what it can do. Perhaps it can look at more youth programming, she suggested.

Once enforcement of criminal activity becomes involved, she said, the crime has already been committed.

Friesen asked about what might be some of the ways the city can work with the local First Nations, non-government agencies and the chambers of commerce to address criminal activity.

Kulych said the city has many ways to assist with underlying social issues, such as offering front-line wellness and recreation programming. It hosts a lot of low-cost events, and partners with the Kwanlin Dun First Nation youth co-ordinator, the Boys and Girls Club, he said.

Kulych said the city regularly engages with the different areas at the community level by having neighbourhood parties, barbecues and outdoor skating events to keep the relationship strong.

“When you’re out there having fun, you’re not causing any problems,” he said.

Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu asked if the city is aware of the Canadian Municipal Network on Crime Prevention, which is a coalition of large and small municipalities who share the best practices for addressing crime.

“Have we looked into that, or if we have not, would it be possible just so we are not reinventing the wheel?” she asked.

O’Farrell said the city just became aware of the organization and will be looking to learn more about who they are and what they have to offer.

Mayor Laura Cabott told her colleagues she agrees the city could be more involved with some of the matters that are occurring in the city, particularly issues around crime.

As mayor, she said, she is open to working with the local First Nations, with other agencies and non-government organizations.

Kwanlin Dun has done good work with its community safety officer program, she pointed out.

She said she sees the quarterly meetings between city council and the RCMP as being very useful.

Cabott said she would also like more information regarding the level of criminal activity in the city.

She said she’s not sure if crime is getting worse overall, though she acknowledged there was definitely a spike this fall. It will be important to get those statistics, she said.

She told her colleagues she met with the RCMP commander last week and will be sharing the results of that meeting with other members of council.

“I was very pleased with that discussion, very encouraged with that discussion,” she said. “The city can and ought to have a closer relationship with the RCMP and others to tackle the issues more directly and indirectly.”

If the city were to take over more enforcement duties, such as being responsible for enforcing speeding in the city, Cabott suggested, it would free up more time for the RCMP.

Lightening the load on the RCMP could provide the police with more time to focus on the criminal activity, she said.