Arson and sexual assault cases on the rise in Regina

If you've noticed an increase in the number of arsonincidents around Regina, you're not alone. City police are concerned about the trend as well.

With arson it only takes one or two individuals often to commit a number of crimes.- Chief Troy Hagen

Crime statistics released todayshow there have been 48 cases of arson in Regina so far this year, compared to 56 in all of last year.

Still, Police Chief Troy Hagen said he is"cautiously optimistic," in the wake of a number of arson arrests that could help drive that number back down.

"With arson it only takes one or two individuals often to commit a number of crimes," Hagen explained, so arresting those people, "can really drive the numbers in a radical fashion."

Sexual assault figures rise

The number of sexual assault cases is also up, although police attribute part of this to theirefforts to encourage victims of sexual assaults to report them.Hagen says sexual assaults are still underreported.

"It's important the victims come forward,so I don't think it's necessarily negative if it's indeed more people coming forward and reporting offences," he said.

Car thefts up as well

The other crime that is up in Regina is vehicle thefts, with 111 occurring in July this year. Police say a third of those thefts still occur becausepeople simply leavetheir keys in the car.

To further prevent theft, Hagen says people should report any suspicious activity, such as anyone walking down the street checking to see if cars are locked.

Big picture looks brighter

Despite the increase in several areas, overall crime numbers show a positive trend.

The crime rate isdown seven per cent from last July, and crime is down 38 per cent from 10 years ago.

"There are some pressure points and clearly there is much more work to be done, but it's a good trend and residents can know and understand that their city is safe," said Mayor Michael Fougere.