The Trail and Greater District RCMP have released their year-end and fourth-quarter statistics for 2024 (October to December), highlighting trends and changes in crime and calls for service across the region.
While some areas saw declines, others marked increases, offering insight into the challenges faced by the community and law enforcement alike.
Fourth quarter highlights
The fourth quarter of 2024 witnessed a range of incidents across the region:
• 1 Homicide: A criminal charge was laid following a homicide in Montrose.
• 29 Assaults: Reflecting a significant concern for personal safety.
• 5 Sexual offences and 1 robbery: Isolated but serious incidents.
• Theft and property crime: 6 stolen vehicles; 11 break-ins; 2 thefts from vehicles, a record low.
• Drug and alcohol-related incidents: 11 drug investigations; 24 impaired driving incidents.
• Traffic safety: 45 motor vehicle collisions occurred, with no fatalities reported; 123 BC Motor Vehicle Act violations were noted.
• Community support calls: 96 mental health-related incidents; 102 welfare checks; 133 reports of suspicious persons, vehicles, or occurrences.
Overall, the RCMP logged 1,351 calls for service during the fourth quarter, with 329 criminal code files processed.
2024 year-end crime trends
A broader look at 2024 paints a mixed picture for Trail and the Greater District, with some crimes on the rise and others declining.
Crimes against people
Homicides and attempted murders: 1 homicide and 2 attempted murders occurred.
In its third-quarter report (July to September), Trail RCMP provided updates on two attempted murder cases and a recent homicide investigation, both of which remain active.
The attempted murder cases stem from the early morning hours of Aug. 17, when two men suffering gunshot wounds were dropped off at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital. The victims, a 45-year-old from Langley and a 40-year-old from Surrey, were in critical condition upon arrival. Both were stabilized and are expected to survive.
At the time, Sgt. Mike Wicentowich assured the public that the incident was targeted and posed no broader risk to the community. The Southeast District’s General Investigation Section is assisting Trail RCMP with the ongoing investigation.
On Nov. 4, a Montrose man was charged with second-degree murder following the death of 44-year-old Lindsay Danchella. Trail RCMP responded to reports of a male assaulting a female on the front lawn of a residence.
When officers arrived, Lindsay Danchella was found with severe injuries and was transported to Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Her estranged husband, 46-year-old Donald Danchella, was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.
The BC RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit has taken over the investigation. After consultation with Crown Counsel, Donald Danchella was formally charged with second-degree murder on Nov. 4.
Other
Assaults: Dropped significantly to 105 from 136 in 2023.
Sexual offences: Increased to 30 from 22 last year.
Domestic violence: A total of 5 incidents were reported.
Property Crime
Break-ins: Dropped to 43 from 68 in 2023.
Vehicle-related theft: Auto thefts increased slightly to 29 (up from 25); theft from motor vehicles fell to 33 (from 47); suspicious activity reports decreased to 323 from 385.
Drug and alcohol investigations: drug investigations remained steady at 32; alcohol/drug-related incidents surged to 290, up from 215 in 2023.
Public Safety and Mental Health
Mental health-related calls: Rose to 189 (from 174), reflecting growing pressures on support services; welfare checks and assistance requests saw decreases, down to 185 and 216 incidents, respectively.
Overall calls for service
Total calls for service dropped to 5,533 in 2024, a decline from 5,883 in 2023, suggesting a modest reduction in overall demand for police services.
Looking ahead, the Trail RCMP detachment says it remains committed to addressing crime trends and enhancing community safety.
The force is encouraged by declines in violent crime and property offences but continues to focus on rising challenges such as mental health calls and drug-related incidents.
