Brandon Twp.- Arrests in the township for 2005 are up 15.86 percent over the same time period (Jan. through Oct.) last year, according to the Brandon Sheriff’s Station Quarterly Report, presented to the township board Nov. 7 by Sgt. Tim McIsaac.
The report showed increases in all areas tracked, including a 10.76 percent increase for tickets; an 8.33 percent increase in the number of drivers ticketed for operating under the influence of liquor; a 7.96 percent increase in complaints; and a 2.27 percent increase in accidents.
The figures include 608 complaints for the month of September, the second-highest number of complaints in the three years the substation has tracked them, second only to July 2003, when the department had 610. The third-highest number of complaints ever came last month, when Brandon deputies received 597 complaints. A complaint is considered any call for service that has a dispatch number.
McIsaac said he was unsure of the reason for the recent spike in numbers, but pointed out a steadily increasing population in the township and poor economy as possibilities.
‘Police work seems to go in spurts,? he said. ‘If this continues for another month, I’ll be concerned. The winter months are usually slower.?
McIsaac noted all shifts have been busier, with more complaints, but doesn’t believe two months shows a trend.
‘Citizens should report suspicious activity,? says McIsaac. ‘Lock your vehicles and don’t advertise belongings in your car. Put laptops and phones under the seat or in the trunk if possible.?