2025 West Shore RCMP Annual Report

2025 By the Numbers

• TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE: 26,271
• REPORTED INCIDENTS PER 1,000 RESIDENTS: 244
• REPORTED INCIDENTS: 2,369 TOTAL FILES IN THE MONTH (Busiest month was AUGUST)
• WEST SHORE RCMP SUBMITTED REPORTS TO CROWN COUNSEL (RCC): 719 (667 Adults & 52 Youth)
• RCCS RECEIVED CHARGE APPROVAL (83%): 598
• MINUTES OF STATEMENTS TRANSCRIBED: 24,959
  • Does not include statements taken by officers but not transcribed
• WHICH EQUALS: 17.3 Days
• WEST SHORE RCMP INVESTIGATED MISSING PERSONS FILES: 299
  • All located, with the exception of one; presumed drowned.
• WEST SHORE RCMP RESPONDED TO 12 LOST HIKERS
• SEARCH & RESCUE WAS UTILIZED 12 TIMES
  • 7 Times - Land
  • 5 Times - Marine
• FRONT COUNTER CONTACTS WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: 11,275
• DAILY CONTACTS AT FRONT COUNTER ON AVERAGE: 45
• REPORTS CREATED AT THE FRONT DESK: 820
• CIVIL FINGERPRINTS TAKEN: 799
• POLICE INFORMATION CHECKS COMPLETED: 1,759
• TOTAL DISCLOSURE UNIT REQUESTS: 1,836
• WEST SHORE RCMP ENHANCED DIGITAL FORENSIC TRIAGE TECHNICIAN INVESTIGATED:
  • 81 COMPUTERS
  • 76 CELLPHONES

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Table of Contents

• MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICER IN CHARGE
• WEST SHORE RCMP
• RCMP & West Shore Communities
• Police Resources
• Integrated Units
• Annual Policing Priorities (APP)
• CALLS FOR SERVICE
  • Top Calls
• FRONTLINE POLICING
  • General Duty
  • Priority Calls
  • Body-Worn Cameras
• FRONTLINE SUPPORT UNITS
  • Investigative Support Unit
  • Bike Unit
  • Traffic Unit
    • Impaired Driving
    • Collisions
  • Mental Health Unit
  • Municipal Employees
• INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
  • Investigative Services Overview
  • Persons Offences
  • Special Victims Unit
  • General Investigation Section
  • Property Offences
  • Crime Reduction Unit
  • Cyber Crime & Fraud
  • Drug Offences
  • Other Criminal Code Offences
  • Drugs & Organized Crime Unit
  • Investigative Services Disclosure
  • Enhanced Digital Forensic Triage
• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
  • Community & Indigenous Policing Unit
  • School Liaison Officers
  • West Shore Youth Outreach Team
  • Restorative Justice
  • Charitable Efforts
  • Media Unit
• SOURCES & METHODOLOGY

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Message from the Officer in Charge

It is both an honour and a privilege to assume the role of Officer in Charge of the West Shore RCMP. I am grateful to follow Superintendent Todd Preston, whose leadership and dedication to public safety have left a strong foundation for our detachment. I would also like to sincerely thank Inspector Stephen Rose and Inspector Jag Saran for their effective leadership during this transition. I join the West Shore RCMP with nearly two decades of service in the RCMP, having had the opportunity to serve and lead in diverse communities across British Columbia. These experiences have shaped my collaborative approach to policing and my commitment to accountability, innovation, and community engagement.

West Shore RCMP operates under an integrated policing model that brings together five municipalities and two Indigenous Nations. This model allows for the seamless sharing of resources, expertise, and specialized services across jurisdictions, ensuring all communities benefit from consistent, high-quality policing. Through integration, we can deploy specialized units and subject-matter experts where they are needed most, increasing efficiency and responsiveness. It is also a cost-effective approach, allowing partner communities to maximize the value of their policing investment while maintaining access to a broad range of specialized capabilities. By working together, our integrated approach enhances public safety outcomes while respecting the unique needs and priorities of each community we serve.

West Shore remains one of the fastest growing regions in British Columbia. This growth brings opportunity, but it also presents increasing demands on policing services. Ensuring our policing resources keep pace with population growth is a priority. In the coming year, our focus will be on strengthening frontline capacity by increasing the number of uniformed general duty officers on our watches. Allowing us to maintain responsiveness, visibility, and effective service delivery.

Investing in specialized policing services to meet the evolving needs of our communities continues to be a top priority. Over the past year, we have added an Economic Crime Unit and expanded several key areas, including the Indigenous and Community Policing Unit and our Investigative Support Team. These enhancements allow us to respond more effectively and further strengthen our partnerships.

Accountability and transparency remain central to our policing philosophy. In 2025, our frontline officers were outfitted with Body Worn Cameras. In the year ahead, we will continue training the remainder of our officers and select civilian staff on this technology, ensuring consistent and responsible use across the detachment.

I am proud to serve alongside the dedicated officers, civilian professionals, and volunteers of the West Shore RCMP. Their commitment to public safety, community well-being, and professionalism is evident every day. I look forward to working collaboratively with our municipal councils, Indigenous partners, and community stakeholders as we continue to build a safe, responsive, and trusted police service for the West Shore.

Sincerely,
Officer in Charge
West Shore RCMP

S U P E R I N T E N D E N T T E R R Y G I L L E S P I E

Our ability to deliver effective policing services is also directly tied to our infrastructure. The West Shore RCMP detachment currently operates out of two joint buildings—one constructed in the 1960s and the other in 1999—and we have reached capacity. We are engaged in ongoing discussions with our municipal partners regarding the construction of a new, modern detachment on the same site. This projected three-year build is critical to supporting our growing workforce, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of West Shore residents well into the future.

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West Shore RCMP

The West Shore RCMP proudly serves approximately 107,872 citizens and continues to be the fastest growing region on the South Island. The West Shore RCMP serves five municipalities including the Cities of Langford and Colwood, the Town of View Royal, and the Districts of Metchosin and Highlands. West Shore RCMP also provides policing services to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and portions of the Malahat.

West Shore RCMP police rural and suburban residential neighbourhoods, commercial and industrial zones, recreational waterfront areas, provincial and regional parks, and the Trans-Canada Highway.

Population data is an estimate provided by the Police Services Division.

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2025 Resources in the West Shore

• 124 Sworn Officers
• 42 Full-Time Municipal Employees
• 19 Casual Municipal Employees
• 8 Commissionaires
• 4 Reserve Constables
• 1 Civilian Member
• 1 Public Service Employee

In 2025, West Shore RCMP responded to 26,271 calls for service. An average of 72 calls per day.

2025 Calls for Service by Municipality:

• LANGFORD: 58% (15,138)
• COLWOOD: 20.1% (5,245)
• VIEW ROYAL: 12.7% (3,323)
• PROVINCIAL: 5.3% (1,396 approx)
• METCHOSIN: 3.9% (996)
• HIGHLANDS: 1.3% (335)
• MALAHAT: 0.9% (249)
• SONGHEES NATION: 2.8% (811)
• ESQUIMALT NATION: 0.3% (68)

An increase of 3% compared to 2024 (25,515 calls for service).

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Integrated Units

West Shore RCMP supports a number of integrated units through the secondment of Detachment personnel on a full time or rotational basis and through financial contributions toward their budgets.

West Shore RCMP works with and receives support from other provincial units and RCMP sections including:

• BC Highway Patrol (BCHP)
• RCMP Air Services
• RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU)
• Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU)
• RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT)
• Vancouver Island Underwater Recovery Team (URT)
• RCMP Special I and Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) teams
• E Division Communications

Several West Shore RCMP officers have advanced training and are a part of specialized BC RCMP response teams. These officers work full time with West Shore RCMP but are also on-call for emergency situations. West Shore RCMP provides officers to the following:

• Vancouver Island RCMP Tactical Team (VITT)
• Vancouver Island Crisis Negotiator Team (CNT)
• Community-Industry Response Group (CIRG)
• Underwater Recovery Team (URT)

West Shore RCMP Frontline officers have access to two Criminal Drug Interdiction Dogs upon request. Criminal Drug Interdiction Dog teams are funded by the Province and used to intercept drug trafficking in vehicles, boats and other forms of transportation including shipping containers.

Note: West Shore RCMP also has three dedicated Police Service Dog Teams who provide Frontline support. This is separate from Criminal Drug Interdiction Teams.

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Annual Policing Priorities (APP)

Each year, West Shore RCMP’s Senior Management Team works closely with our five municipal communities, Songhees Nation, and Esquimalt Nation to identify local policing priorities.

Each RCMP Detachment in British Columbia is mandated to prepare an Annual Performance Priorities that addresses local policing priorities. Through consultation with community members, elected officials, and senior staff, the West Shore RCMP APP focuses on the issues identified throughout the region. The APP is designed to be flexible to the changing needs of the communities and the priorities are continually revisited and adjusted accordingly.

The APP follows the fiscal year rather than the calendar year.

• April 1 2024 - March 31 2025 (2024 Priorities)

  • Reducing Property Crime
  • Deterring Youth Crime
  • Enhancing Road Safety
  • Enhancing Relationships with Indigenous Communities & Reconciliation
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response Teams

• April 1 2025 - March 31 2026 (2025 Priorities)

  • Reducing Property Crime
  • Reducing Organized Crime & Drug Trafficking
  • Mental Health & Crisis Response Teams
  • Enhancing Road Safety
  • Deterring Youth Crime

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Calls for Service

Calls for Service by Area (2024 vs 2025)

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Top Calls

Top 5 Initial Calls Types (2025)

1. Traffic — 3,180
2. Check Well Being — 1,892
3. Assist Police Fire Ambulance — 1,640
4. Assist General Public — 1,284
5. Property — 1,099

Top 5 Criminal Offences (All West Shore, 2025)

1. Shoplifting Under $5000 — 649
2. Assault - Common — 522
3. Mischief Under $5000 — 426
4. Cause a Disturbance — 400
5. Theft - Other Under $5000 — 350

Offence Type Breakdown (2024 compared to 2025)

• Persons Offences: 2025 — 1,415; 2024 — 1,346
• Property Offences: 2025 — 2,924; 2024 — 2,657
• Other Criminal Code Offences: 2025 — 1,470; 2024 — 1,420
• Controlled Drug and Substances Act: 2025 — 122; 2024 — 105
• Criminal Code Traffic Offences: 2025 — 332; 2024 — 342
• Provincial Statutes: 2025 — 685; 2024 — 663
• Federal Statutes: 2025 — 45; 2024 — 16

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Frontline Policing

Frontline police officers respond to the majority of calls for service at West Shore RCMP and provide continuous, 24-hour policing to the communities. Currently, 56 Frontline officers are assigned across four watches to ensure consistent coverage and effective response.

Ongoing training is a cornerstone of Frontline operations. Throughout the year, officers participate in a wide range of investigative and operational training sessions. Partner agencies are routinely invited to contribute their expertise, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and investigative approaches.

Frontline officers receive regular, ongoing scenario based training to maintain operational readiness. Key components of this training is the biannual Immediate Action Rapid Deployment (IARD) and Initial Critical Incident Response (ICIR) programs, which prepares officers to respond swiftly to high-risk incidents that pose a threat to public safety. Scenarios involving firearms and explosives—particularly in densely populated areas such as schools and commercial districts—are a primary focus. Additional training throughout the year includes de-escalation techniques and bias-free policing, ensuring officers are equipped to respond professionally and effectively in complex situations.

As the first officers on scene for nearly all calls, Frontline officers must be well-versed in both Criminal and Provincial statutes. Each watch includes a diverse range of experience, from newly trained officers to members with more than 20 years of service, balancing a mix of experience and specialized skills, supporting both operational effectiveness and mentorship.

West Shore RCMP also maintains a dedicated Front Desk Constable who engages directly with members of the public attending the front counter to report crimes or seek assistance. Front desk municipal staff play a vital role by efficiently receiving members of the public and guiding individuals to the appropriate resources, whether through the creation of police reports or referral to partner agencies.

In 2025, on average, 45 members of the public access our services via the front counter daily. In total, 11,275 members of the public accessed the West Shore RCMP front counter.

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General Duty

• Frontline officers assigned across four watches: 56
• Ongoing scenario based training including IARD and ICIR
• Emphasis on de-escalation and bias-free policing

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Priority Calls

Priority call breakdown in 2025:

2025 Priority Call Type Breakdown By Municipality (legend: Priority 1 - Red; Priority 2 - Yellow; Priority 3 - Green; Priority 4 - Blue)
(*Esquimalt & Songhees Nations Included in View Royal.)

Example counts by municipality and priority (selected):

• Langford: Priority 1 — 908; Priority 2 — 2,251; Priority 3 — 3,812; Priority 4 — 7,228 (charted)
• Colwood: Priority 1 — 222; Priority 2 — 885; Priority 3 — 1,602; Priority 4 — 2,315 (charted)
• View Royal, Metchosin, Highlands, Malahat — various counts shown in chart

In 2025, West Shore RCMP spent 249,267.62 Minutes on scene at priority 1 calls which equals 173 Days.

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Body-Worn Cameras

Officers will activate their body-worn cameras before they arrive on scene of calls for service, including:

• Crimes in Progress
• Investigations
• Mental Health Calls
• Interactions with People in Crisis
• Public Disorder and Protests

They will also record information to support the performance of their duties.

In 2025, West Shore RCMP introduced Body Worn Cameras for Frontline officers.

These cameras capture a clear record of our officers interactions in the community in real time, assists in gathering evidence, and helps ensure transparency and accountability.

All officers using the cameras have received training on when and how they are used, as well as how the recorded data is securely stored and managed. The program also follows strict privacy and data protection policies, ensuring footage is only used for lawful and authorized purposes.

Body-worn cameras are not intended to be used for the purpose of:

• 24-hour recording surveillance
• when intimate searches are conducted

In 2025, 88 Frontline officers were trained in the use of body worn cameras and began wearing them operationally.

Training for the remaining officers is ongoing.

While the detachment welcomes body-worn cameras for the many benefits they provide, their use also introduces additional administrative demands. When charges are pursued, relevant video must be downloaded, reviewed, and supported by detailed reporting to provide context for Crown Counsel and specialized review units. Footage then requires transcription and redaction to protect the privacy of individuals not involved in an investigation. Managing body-worn camera video can add approximately an hour to an investigation, with significantly more time required for complex or multi-scene files.

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Frontline Support Units

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Investigative Support Team (IST)

The West Shore RCMP Investigative Support Team consists of:

• 1 Corporal
• 4 Constables

The Investigative Support Team (IST) provides additional support to frontline officers when investigations become more complex or time-sensitive. This team steps in to help with important tasks that require extra time, specialized skills, or quick action, allowing frontline officers to remain available for calls for service in the community. IST members work closely with frontline officers and are specially trained to conduct interviews, including with children, and to prepare judicial authorizations such as search warrants when required.

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Bike Unit

The West Shore RCMP Bike Unit consists of:

• 1 Corporal
• 4 Constables

The Bike Unit patrols West Shore neighbourhoods year-round, allowing officers to access areas that are difficult to reach by vehicle, such as trails, parks, and busy pedestrian areas. Bike patrols allow officers to move quickly and quietly while remaining highly visible and approachable to the public.

• West Shore RCMP Bike Unit Executed 57 Warrants on Individuals who were Wanted.
• West Shore RCMP Bike Unit Conducted 400 Business Checks with Local Retailers.

The Bike Unit works closely with municipal bylaw officers from across the West Shore and with CRD Park Rangers, regularly collaborating and conducting joint patrols.

Officers also routinely check in with local businesses throughout the West Shore, building relationships, listening to concerns, and helping prevent issues before they arise. This collaborative, community-focused approach helps maintain safety in parks, commercial areas, and neighbourhood gathering spaces.

In 2025, West Shore RCMP partnered with Project 529, a free online bicycle registration program, to encourage residents to register their bikes. Project 529 allows police officers from across the CRD and across the province to search a centralized registry for lost or stolen bicycles, increasing the likelihood of recovered bikes being returned to their rightful owners. This partnership provided residents with an accessible and practical tool to help protect their property.

• West Shore RCMP recovered 9 stolen bikes through Project 529 in 2025.

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Traffic Unit

The West Shore RCMP Traffic Unit consists of:

• 1 Corporal
• 4 Constables

The unit’s mandate is to investigate motor vehicle collisions, enforce the Motor Vehicle Act, and enhance pedestrian and motorist safety through targeted education and enforcement initiatives.

In 2025, West Shore RCMP wrote 1,821 Traffic Tickets and issued 1,137 Traffic Warnings.

Impaired Drivers

Type of Prohibition / Charge — Amount in 2025

• 90 Day IRP (Fail & Refuse) — 108
• 7 Day IRP — 5
• 3 Day IRP — 17
• 24 Hour Suspension - Alcohol — 22
• 24 Hour Suspension - Drug — 28
• Alcohol Impaired Driving - Criminal Code — 12
• Drug Impaired Driving - Criminal Code — 1

Total — 193

Notes:

• An Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) is an immediate driving suspension issued in British Columbia when a driver is found to be over the legal limit of alcohol. It is issued at the roadside and prevents the driver from continuing to drive. The vehicle may also be impounded.

Types of IRPs:

• 3-day IRP – issued for lower “warn” alcohol readings.
• 7-day IRP – issued for higher “warn” alcohol readings.
• 90-day IRP – issued for a “fail” alcohol reading or refusal to provide sample of breath.

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Collisions

• In 2025, West Shore RCMP responded to 1,072 Collisions.
  • 818 collisions involving damage to the vehicle
  • 248 were collisions involving injuries to occupants
  • 6 were collisions resulting in a fatality

This is a 2.4% increase from 2024.

In 2025, West Shore RCMP spent 100,377 Minutes which equals 69.71 Days at collision scenes. This does not include additional investigative avenues outside of scene examination.

In 2025, West Shore RCMP responded to six fatal collisions across the West Shore, compared to zero fatal collisions in 2024. West Shore RCMP extends its condolences to everyone involved in these collisions.

Fatal collisions require extensive investigative work, including prolonged road closures, detailed scene examinations, and the involvement of specialized collision reconstructionists. These investigations are thorough and time-intensive, as officers work to accurately determine the circumstances surrounding each incident.

2025 Collisions By Municipality

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Mental Health Unit

The West Shore RCMP Mental Health Unit consists of:

• 1 Corporal
• 2 Constables
• 2 Registered Nurses from Island Health

West Shore RCMP frequently respond to calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

Under the Mental Health Act, police may apprehend a person when there are concerns for their safety or the safety of the public. Individuals apprehended under the Act are transported to hospital for medical assessment—adults to Royal Jubilee Hospital and youth to Victoria General Hospital—where they are examined by a physician. These apprehensions are often time-consuming, as officers are required to remain with the individual until a medical decision is made.

• In 2025, West Shore RCMP responded to 2,022 Calls for Service related to Mental Health (An increase of 5% compared to 2024).
• In 2025, West Shore RCMP spent 809.71 Hours WHICH EQUALS 33.7 Days waiting with apprehended individuals to be assessed at hospital.
• In 2025, West Shore RCMP made 283 apprehensions under the Mental Health Act (An average of 2.87 Hours per apprehension).
• In 2025, West Shore RCMP spent 125,119 Minutes WHICH EQUALS 86.89 Days on scene at suicidal persons calls.

To improve outcomes, West Shore RCMP also work with healthcare professionals through co-responding teams. RCMP officers and Island Health nurses attend calls together, often in people’s homes, using a coordinated, compassionate approach. This partnership focuses on providing the right support at the right time for individuals in crisis, while also supporting their families and caregivers.

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Municipal Employees

Municipal employees play a vital role in the daily operations of the West Shore RCMP, providing essential support that allows frontline and investigative officers to focus on public safety.

These employees perform a wide range of specialized functions. Their work ensures that information is accurately recorded, evidence is properly managed, and investigative and court processes move forward efficiently.

The detachment is supported by 42 full-time municipal employees and 19 casual employees, who deliver key public-facing services such as front counter assistance, civil fingerprinting, and police record checks. Often serving as the first point of contact for the public and the justice system, municipal employees provide the behind-the-scenes expertise and professionalism that keep the detachment running smoothly and support timely investigations, court readiness, and effective service delivery across the West Shore.

In 2025, West Shore RCMP made:

• FRONT COUNTER CONTACTS: 11,275
• DAILY CONTACTS AT FRONT COUNTER ON AVERAGE: 45
• MINUTES OF STATEMENTS TRANSCRIBED BY MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES: 24,959.58
  • Does not include statements taken by officers but not transcribed
  • WHICH EQUALS 17.3 Days
• REPORTS CREATED AT THE FRONT DESK: 820
• CIVIL FINGERPRINTS TAKEN: 799
• POLICE INFORMATION CHECKS COMPLETED: 1,759

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Investigative Services

West Shore RCMP Investigative Services handles serious and complex criminal investigations in the community. This team investigates crimes such as armed robberies, serious assaults, sexual offences, complex frauds, drug offences, and large thefts. They also assist with investigations involving suspicious deaths, missing persons where there are concerns for foul play, and other sensitive or high-risk incidents.

In December 2025, the unit expanded to include a dedicated Economic and Cyber Crime Unit to better address fraud, online crime, and technology-related offences affecting the public.

West Shore RCMP Investigative Services consists of:

• Crime Reduction Unit
• Drugs and Organized Crime Unit
• Persons Offences
• Special Victims Unit
• General Investigation Section

In the last 5 years (2021 - 2025), West Shore RCMP has seen a 44% increase in Persons Offences.

• In 2025, West Shore RCMP investigated 1,415 Persons Offences. (A 5% increase from 2024.)

Persons Offences 5-Year Trend:

• 2021 — 982
• 2022 — 1,136
• 2023 — 1,268
• 2024 — 1,345
• 2025 — 1,415

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General Investigation Section (GIS)

West Shore RCMP’s General Investigation Section (GIS) team is responsible for leading large-scale and complex investigations. They also provide additional support, service training, and guidance to Frontline officers. The majority of the unit’s workload involves violent crime; however, GIS also investigates suspicious deaths, serious workplace injuries and fatalities, and reports involving Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (commonly referred to as child pornography).

There have been several high-profile investigations and convictions led by SVU & GIS in 2025. These include, but are not limited to:

• Conviction in Colwood Shooting
  In September 2025, Abjeet Kingra was convicted for his role in a targeted shooting and arson in Colwood. In sentencing, the judge noted that Kingra was acting on instructions from the Lawrence Bishnoi crime group in India, underscoring the organized and transnational nature of the offence. This conviction represented an important outcome for General Investigation Section and demonstrated the effectiveness of complex investigative work in addressing serious violent crime.

• Shooting Investigation
  In December 2025, GIS led an investigation involving a targeted shooting in Langford in which a male sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The incident is believed to have been targeted. The investigation remains ongoing.

• Youth Stranger Sexual Assault Arrest
  In September 2025, West Shore RCMP arrested a 21-year-old male in relation to a sexual assault against a youth who was unknown to the suspect. The sexual assault took place in a park in View Royal and within 24 hours of the incident being reported, an arrest was made.

2025 Serious Offences in the West Shore (examples):

• Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material — 35
• Arson — 15
• Firearm Offences — 6
• Forcible Confinement — 2
• Robbery — 9

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Special Victims Unit (SVU)

The West Shore RCMP Special Victims Unit (SVU) is responsible for investigating sexually based offences, which are often complex, sensitive, and require a specialized and trauma-informed approach. The unit is staffed by specially trained investigators with expertise in managing high-risk and vulnerable victim files.

SVU completes comprehensive reviews on all reports involving sexual offences and assumes conduct of complex investigations, including sexual assaults, sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching, as well as other offences such as indecent acts, voyeurism, and child abuse.

2025 Sexually-Based Offences (All West Shore):

• Sexual Assault — 78

• Online Sexual Offences — 57

• Other Sexual Offences — 46

• Sexual Interference — 20

• Indecent Acts / Exposure — 32

• Sexual Assault w/Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm — 2

• West Shore RCMP conducted 34.6% of all child interviews held at The Victoria and West Shore Child and Youth Advocacy Centres — highest amount by all police agencies in the region.

Beginning in May 2025, the unit expanded its role to support the detachment with quality assurance on intimate partner violence (IPV) files - assisting with 41 Frontline IPV investigations. This enhances the consistency and thoroughness of high risk IPV investigations across the detachment.

During this period, SVU made six referrals to the Regional Domestic Violence Unit, two of which were accepted.

SVU provides ongoing mentorship and guidance to the detachment to ensure child interviews are conducted in a manner that is trauma informed, accurate, reliable and legally defendable.

SVU includes three highly trained child interviewers who bring a collective total of 45 years of child interviewing experience. All child interviews for West Shore RCMP are overseen by SVU.

In 2025, West Shore RCMP made 476 Victim Services Referrals. The second most by any police agency in the CRD.

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Property Offences

In 2025, West Shore RCMP had 2,924 Property Offence files. A 10% increase from 2024.

Property Offence Files in West Shore Over 5 Years:

• 2021 — 2,403
• 2022 — 2,418
• 2023 — 2,932
• 2024 — 2,657
• 2025 — 2,924

2025 Top 5 Property Offences (All West Shore)

1. Shoplifting Under $5000 — 690
2. Mischief Under $5000 — 466
3. Theft - Other Under $5000 — 357
4. Fraud Under $5000 — 251
5. Theft from Vehicle Under $5000 — 176

2025 Property Offences in West Shore — File Types Represented

• Arson to Property
• Break and Enters (Business, Residential, Other)
• General Theft
• Mischief
• Shoplifting
• Theft from Vehicles
• Theft of Bicycles
• Theft of Vehicles

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Crime Reduction Unit (CRU)

The Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) focuses on property crime and repeat offenders. The unit works closely with frontline officers on initiatives such as curfew and house-arrest compliance checks, ensuring individuals follow court-ordered conditions—some of which have resulted in breach charges when conditions were not abided by.

CRU also partners with local businesses and loss prevention officers to proactively address shoplifting and related offences. Through targeted enforcement, surveillance, and information sharing, officers are often able to arrest offenders, recover stolen property, and return it to businesses, helping improve public safety and reduce repeat victimization.

CRU recovered this excavator that was stolen from a construction site on Bear Mountain during a search warrant on a rural Malahat property.
(Photograph caption: CRU recovered this excavator that was stolen from a construction site on Bear Mountain during a search warrant on a rural Malahat property)

2025 Break & Enters (All West Shore)

• Business — 94
• Residence — 74
• Other — 47
• Total — 215
  • Other refers to locations such as construction sites, sheds, etc.

Property Offence By Municipality (2024 Files, 2025 Files, % Change)

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Cyber Crime & Fraud

In 2025, West Shore RCMP had 556 Cybercrime files. A 10.76% increase from 2024.

Cybercrime Files in West Shore Over 5 Years:

• 2021 — 185
• 2022 — 290
• 2023 — 465
• 2024 — 502
• 2025 — 556

West Shore RCMP has seen an increase of 200.5% in Cybercrime files over the past 5 years. Since 2021, Cyber Crime related files have nearly tripled.

In 2025, West Shore RCMP also saw 511 fraud-related files. These investigations are often complex and time-intensive, involving extensive digital evidence collection, financial analysis, and coordination with external partners.

West Shore’s Cst. Sterpin was able to present a cheque to West Shore resident Kristie, returning money recovered through an investigation into a Taylor Swift ticket fraud.

In response, the detachment established a dedicated Economic and Cyber Crime Unit; the unit’s Corporal started the role in December 2025 to support early oversight and planning.

In 2025, West Shore RCMP investigated 62 files in relation to cryptocurrency.

Since October of 2023 (when a process for flagging cryptocurrency was implemented), West Shore RCMP has investigated 129 files in relation to cryptocurrency.

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Drug Offences

In 2025, West Shore RCMP had 171 Drug Offence files. A 12.8% decrease from 2024.

The West Shore RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Unit (DOCU) is responsible for targeting drug trafficking within the West Shore, which is directly linked to organized crime. In addition to enforcement, DOCU delivers the Inadmissible Patrons Program (IPP), working with local businesses to reduce the impacts of organized crime and enhance community safety. DOCU works closely with the Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) to identify and disrupt priority offenders. Drug trafficking contributes to both violent and non-violent crime and is closely associated with property crime, as officers frequently encounter stolen property used to facilitate drug transactions or to settle drug-related debts.

• Examples of seizures: suspected Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, GHB, and more as well as cash seized by West Shore RCMP in February 2025 investigation.
• 45 grams of suspected Cocaine seized by West Shore RCMP in a March 2025 investigation.

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Other Criminal Code Offences

2025 Top 5 Other Criminal Code Offences (All West Shore)

1. Cause a Disturbance — 425
2. Breach of Bail Violations — 205
3. Breach of Probation — 98
4. Weapons Possession — 55
5. Indecent Acts / Exposing — 32

File Totals - Other Criminal Code Offences Over 5 Years:

• 2021 — 965
• 2022 — 1,166
• 2023 — 1,547
• 2024 — 1,570
• 2025 — 1,470

Other Criminal Offences: Not considered violent or property‑related crime; such as Causing a Disturbance, Breaches, Counterfeiting Currency, etc.

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Investigative Services Disclosure

In 2025, Investigative Services completed 17 first disclosures.

Disclosure is a essential requirement of the criminal justice system in Canada. Police are obligated under memorandum of understanding to disclose the full investigation to Crown Counsel who then provides the materials to defence counsel. This is an administratively time consuming process.

On average, a first disclosure takes about 70 hours.

First disclosures allow Crown Counsel to understand the scope of the investigation and complete a charge assessment. It is typical for several disclosures to be made during a complex investigation.

Overall, approximately 1,191 hours were spent on completed first disclosures, equalling 153 work days.

These statistics exclude files that are still under investigation, for which Disclosure Clerks are actively completing ongoing disclosure-related work.

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Enhanced Digital Forensic Triage (EDFT)

The West Shore RCMP’s Enhanced Digital Forensic Triage (EDFT) capability supports investigations by providing timely digital evidence preservation and acquisition, allowing investigators to quickly identify investigative leads. EDFT streamlines investigative workflows, contributing to improved case progression.

The West Shore RCMP has one full-time, dedicated EDFT specialist who provides this specialized support across the detachment, benefiting investigators, the courts, and the community.

2025 Enhanced Digital Forensic Triage Files by Municipality:

• Langford — 29
• Colwood — 8
• View Royal — 5
• Metchosin — 4
• No files from Highlands

2025 Enhanced Digital Forensic Triage Exhibit Types:

• Computer — 51%
• Apple Phone — 29%
• Android Phone — 20%
• Total exhibits processed: 81 computers, 45 Apple phones, 31 Android phones (illustrative)

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Community Engagement

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Community & Indigenous Policing Unit (CIPU)

The West Shore RCMP Community & Indigenous Policing Unit consists of:

• 1 Corporal
• 5 Constables

The West Shore RCMP Community and Indigenous Policing Unit (CIPU) focuses on community outreach, relationship building, and crime prevention across the West Shore. CIPU works closely with community partners and stakeholders to develop and deliver targeted education and prevention initiatives that address local areas of concern. Officers actively engage with the community through school programs, presentations, and participation in community events.

One constable within the Community and Indigenous Policing Unit serves as a dedicated Indigenous Police Officer, working directly with the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation to support ongoing relationship building and community engagement. This role focuses on collaboration, trust, and meaningful partnership with the Nations.

In 2025, West Shore RCMP Community & Indigenous Policing Unit attended 229 Community or School Events.

In March 2026, a second dedicated Indigenous Police Officer will join the unit, further strengthening this commitment. The officer was selected in 2025 through a joint consultation process involving the unit Corporal and representatives from both Nations, reinforcing a collaborative and community-informed approach to Indigenous policing.

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School Liaison Officers

School Liaison Officers within the Community and Indigenous Policing Unit maintain active connections with more than 30 schools across the West Shore, including elementary, middle, and secondary schools, as well as private schools and post‑secondary institutions.

• In 2025, officers completed 446 school attendances and in addition conducted proactive patrols in areas frequented by youth during lunch hours and after school.
• By being a consistent presence within school communities and fostering familiar, positive relationships outside of an enforcement context, officers help create an environment of trust and approachability. These connections have proven critical, as they help ensure youth who are experiencing victimization feel safe and supported when coming forward to police.
• In 2025, West Shore RCMP Community & Indigenous Policing Unit investigated 110 reports - most involving youth.
• West Shore RCMP Community & Indigenous Policing Unit made 446 school attendances.

Examples:

• Cst. Webb speaks to elementary school students about safety tips for being home alone.
• CIPU and Bike Unit officers play lunch time hockey with Spencer Middle School students.
• CIPU hosted ‘career day’ for 50 Grade 9 students.
• CIPU welcomed Grade 5 students from Craigflower Elementary celebrating their Elementary School Graduation with a paddle on Tl’Ches Spirit in the Gorge Waterway.
• CIPU officers and West Shore students at 2025 Police Camp.

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West Shore Youth Outreach Team

School Liaison Officers are also part of the West Shore Youth Outreach Team, working in partnership with a youth counsellor from the Pacific Centre Family Services Association. Established in 2021, the West Shore Youth Outreach Team provides coordinated, proactive, and referral-based support to at-risk youth, with a focus on mentoring and prevention.

The team prioritizes confidentiality between the youth counsellor and youth receiving services, ensuring appropriate support and referrals while maintaining trust, and meaningful engagement through this program has resulted in positive feedback from families across the West Shore.

During the summer months, when school is not in session, the West Shore RCMP Community and Indigenous Policing Unit engaged with youth and families through outreach across parks in the West Shore. Officers attended local parks throughout July and August, maintaining positive, non-enforcement interactions that supported continued relationship building, visibility, and community engagement outside the school environment.

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West Shore Restorative Justice

West Shore Restorative Justice is a program facilitated by volunteers with the West Shore RCMP. The primary mandate of the West Shore Restorative Justice Program is to facilitate Community Justice Forums where the accused take ownership of their actions and agree to reparations thereby diverting offenders away from criminal courts.

In 2025, the most common Restorative Justice offence was Shoplifting Under $5000.

In 2025, West Shore RCMP referred 61 files to Restorative Justice.

• 39 of the offenders were adults & 22 were youth.
• $3,365 in restitution was paid back to the victims.
• 305 hours of volunteer work were completed.

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Charitable Efforts

The West Shore RCMP continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to community support through extensive charitable fundraising and volunteer efforts.

• West Shore RCMP officers and municipal staff participated in the annual Polar Plunge at Cadboro-Gyro Park in support of Special Olympics BC. Members joined officers from other local police agencies, raising more than $4,000 through individual fundraising efforts as well as detachment-led initiatives, including soup days and bake sales.

• The detachment annually hosts a fundraising gala in support of Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, raising $80,200 in 2025 to support life-saving pediatric cancer research and programs such as Camp Goodtimes.

• The detachment’s Tour de Rock rider, Nurse Shea of the Mental Health Unit and a cancer survivor, raised an additional $25,000.

• In the spring, West Shore RCMP also hosted a community barn dance fundraiser at the local legion, raising more than $7,000 with support from community partners.

• During the holiday season, the Community and Indigenous Policing Unit led a Reverse Advent Calendar initiative, with officers and municipal staff contributing items daily to assemble 25 fully stocked Christmas hampers. These hampers were delivered to individuals and families that officers had engaged with throughout the year, providing meaningful support to community members experiencing financial hardship.

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Media Unit

The West Shore RCMP Media Unit plays a key role in informing and educating the public about policing activities and community safety across the West Shore. Working closely with all operational units, the Media Unit supports transparency by sharing timely, accurate information on incidents, initiatives, and enforcement efforts, while also highlighting the work being done by officers and staff.

A core goal of the unit is to humanize policing by showcasing officers beyond enforcement roles and strengthening public trust. In 2025, the Media Unit launched West Shore Watch, a behind-the-scenes video series that places the public alongside officers on shift and in patrol vehicles. The series has generated more than 381,000 views across platforms and contributed to significant growth in online engagement. 77% of Facebook followers were gained from Reels.

Media statistics for 2025:

• West Shore RCMP gained 3,331 followers on Facebook. A 369% increase from 2024.
• West Shore RCMP had 315,614 Engagements in 2025 on Facebook.
• West Shore RCMP had over 474K impressions in 2025 on X.
• West Shore RCMP had 3,901,148 Views in 2025 on Facebook.

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Sources & Methodology

The West Shore RCMP Annual Report provides an overview of various statistics and policing in West Shore and is not comprehensive. The statistics presented in this report were retrieved from RCMP E Division Business Intelligence and the British Columbia Police Records Information Management Environment (PRIME) and are accurate on the retrieval date. All data is preliminary and is subject to change based on investigational factors and data quality processes. In cases of discrepancy with previous/subsequent data, the most current data will take precedence.

Data collection utilized “most serious offence” scoring consistent with Statistics Canada and the British Columbia Ministry of Justice (Police Services Division (PSD) data collection practices.

Police Services Division provides population data.

Collision data is not complete as it only includes files where police attended and not all collisions reported to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).