THUNDER BAY - The Thunder Bay Police Service has released numbers reflecting a decrease in calls for service for the month of March.
In a release issued on Tuesday, local police say calls for service have seen an initial decline since the early onset of the crisis.
In March, there were a total of 4,089 calls for service for local police, about a 15 per cent decrease from the same period last year.
However, calls involving domestic violence have remained steady this year with no significant difference from month to month.
Police also say there were 207 motor vehicle collisions reported last month compared to the 335 in the previous year, a 38.2 per cent drop, mainly because of a dramatic decrease in vehicle traffic in the city.
“Public and officer safety remain the top priorities of the Thunder Bay Police Service,” Deputy Chief Ryan Hughes said in the release. “As we approach the Easter long weekend, it is important that citizens obey the orders issued by the province regarding gatherings and maintaining physical distancing. We all need to work together to fight this pandemic.”
Police have also been encouraging members of the public to take advantage of the online reporting tool to reduce the risk of potential exposure to officers.
The online reporting tool can be found by visiting the Thunder Bay Police Service website.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has also launched a phone line for the reporting of violations of COVID-19 orders.
Reporting of violations should go through the health unit however after-hours reporting of violations can be made through the Thunder Bay Police Service by calling the main switchboard at 807-684-1200.
