Fort Frances is seeing an increase in assaults to start 2021.
OPP responded to 27 incidents in January and February, compared to 18 in the same period in 2020.
Sergeant Dereck McLean says it follows a worldwide trend.
There’s been an increase globally with regards to the pandemic and people being able to access some of those services. It’s definitely been a barrier there,” says Sgt. McLean.
McLean notes drugs, alcohol and mental health issues have been contributing factors.
In some cases, police are also seeing repeat offenders.
“With the bail reform and Bill C-71 and the courts, a lot of times these people are released from custody. It becomes a situation where we’re putting people before the court. They’re being released. They’re back out on the streets, and they’re reoffending,” says McLean.
