Manitoba cities cope with rise in crime

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This article was published 11/02/2025 (264 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The mayor of Dauphin says his city, and others like it in Manitoba, are not immune to the surge in crime that has plagued Winnipeg.

David Bosiak said drug use, addictions and mental health problems are to blame.

In the latest incident in the western Manitoba city, Mounties were called to a Mobil gas station Monday around noon after a man, who claimed he had a bomb, tried to rob it.

An employee told officers a man entered the store and waited for customers to leave before handing the clerk a note stating he had a bomb. The note included a demand for cash and instructed the employee not to press the panic button.

The suspect never got cash or stolen items and eventually ran away.

Bosiak said Tuesday they’re dealing with the same drug and mental health issues as many communities across the province.

“We know how stressed that system currently is and, unfortunately, we’re experiencing a bit of it,” Bosiak said.

Residents have become anxious about their personal safety.

“It’s just unfortunate it happens, and fortunate no one has been hurt. It’s certainly concerning for us.”

Bosiak said community leaders, social services agencies and Prairie Mountain Health have been working to address the poverty, addictions and mental health issues.While there’s been some success, more resources are needed.

“That’s where I think the gap is in our community,” Bosiak said. “We have a little bit of a shortage of professionals in the field… to provide the kind of counselling and other help these individuals need.”

An RCMP spokesperson said the gas bar incident was an odd one.

A store employee, who asked not to be named, said the man hung around for about a minute before bolting.

“Maybe (the suspect) thought someone was coming,” the employee said.

Officers patrolled the area but could not find the suspect. He was described as wearing a black hoodie with script on it, a black face covering, gloves, grey pants and possibly black Converse shoes.

Last month, a different gas station in the city was robbed on consecutive days.

RCMP said a man armed with a hunting knife held up an employee at a Fas Gas outlet; he got away with an undisclosed amount of cash. He returned the next day and did the same thing, RCMP said.

RCMP officers responded, including their K-9 unit and a drone, but couldn’t locate the suspect. Police tracked him down later.

Dale Chartrand, 41, of Swan River has been charged with robbery, disguised with intent to commit a crime and possession of a weapon in relation to the robberies. He was remanded in custody.

RCMP asked anyone with information about Monday’s incident to contact the Dauphin detachment at 204-622-5020, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca