Saskatchewan RCMP say there is a typically an increase in violent and property crime during the summer months but they think the larger than usual increase in August in the Prince Albert area is due to gang activity. RCMP say a number of recent incidents in the area surrounding Prince Albert, including a gun being shot this past Monday, are among a spate of crimes that are likely gang-related.

Consequently, residents in the Prince Albert, Ahtahkakoop/Shellbrook and Waskesiu/Montreal Lake detachment areas may notice an increased police presence in their communities in the coming weeks.

Staff Sergeant Ryan How says the public may have the piece of information to solve the puzzle and ask residents in the area to report everything.  He says, “Sometimes you see something you think may be a little off, and you brush it off and don’t report it to police. We are encouraging you to report everything. You’re not wasting our time or resource

Saskatchewan RCMP will provide formal statistics later this fall after the various detachments and units have time to finalize data input.