The Town of Vermilion has set its top policing priorities for 2026. The top three priorities will be property crime, traffic enforcement and drug-related offences, as approved by a council motion at the March 3 regular council meeting.
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“Last year it was the same — it was property crime, traffic, police involvement and police presence,” said detachment commander Sgt. Ken Shamblaw. “I don’t see anything changing, unless you guys have heard differently from your constituents.”
He was asked if violent crimes have increased in the area.
“In the past two months I’ve been here, we have yet to go to a violent assault,” Shamblaw said.
He spoke about the policing priorities and what officers will be focusing on.
“I believe traffic is still going to be No. 1. Property crime right now is at a lull,” he said.
While property crime might be down now, he said people typically don’t want to be out in freezing temperatures and that type of crime often spikes in the spring and summer months.
Coun. Justin Clark said he has heard from the community that drugs and police presence remain a major priority for residents.
Shamblaw said drugs will always be an issue in the community.
“Since I’ve been here, we haven’t come across any big things where there’s big drug-related fights or ripoffs or anything like that,” he said. “Drugs are always going to be in the community. We’re never going to get rid of them. My concern will be if things start disappearing, like trucks. That’s usually the indicator that people are around and looking to steal things because they want to get more drugs.”
While council approved the policing priorities, Shamblaw said if anything major changes, he will return to council to discuss possible adjustments.
“We have to be flexible,” he said.
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