The RCMP in Brazeau County is transitioning from an Annual Performance Plan to a Community Priorities Plan (CPP) to inform its policing for the 2026–2027 cycle.
The process will be community-led, through consultations and engagement with detachment commanders. Up to three local priorities will be chosen by the end of the process.
Officials say the plan is intended to strengthen collaboration with municipal and Indigenous leadership, ensure priorities reflect local needs and support ongoing progress reporting.
Residents can provide their input on the plan at two town halls later this month. One takes place on March 18 from 7-9 p.m. at the Community Education and Training Centre in Drayton Valley, and the second runs March 19 at the Easyford Community Centre from 7-9 p.m. again.
Meantime, Breton/Thorsby detachment Staff Sergeant Angela Gilchrist provided a quarterly policing update to county council on March 3.
In Q3 of 2025, which runs October to December, persons crime in Breton increased by 57 per cent to 33 incidents, from 21 in 2024. Assault was the main driver, doubling to 14 incidents in 2025 from seven in 2024.
Property crime, on the other hand, saw a notable decrease. Overall property crime dropped by 38 per cent to 85 incidents, down from 137 during the same quarter in 2024.
Three motor vehicle thefts were reported for the quarter, compared to 10 the previous year, a 70 per cent drop.
There were 18 counts of theft under $5,000, down by 38 per cent from 29 in 2024.
In Thorsby, persons crime increased by 88 per cent to 30 counts, compared to 16 for the same quarter in 2024. Incidents of criminal harassment saw the greatest increase at 250 per cent, to 14 incidents in 2025, from four in 2024.
Total property crime also increased, but by 23 per cent. There were 75 assorted incidents reported for the quarter in 2025 and 61 in 2024.
Four more break-ins occurred in 2025 compared to the previous year, bringing the total to 12.
Property damage saw a 175 per cent jump to 11 incidents, up from four in 2024.
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