The RCMP's Central Alberta Division has seen a 25% increase in crime since 2012.

The region spanning from Bowden to Morrinville, and Rocky to Stettler has seen a 47% spike in property crimes over the past 5 years, and Ponoka RCMP say the downturn in the economy hasn't helped.

Ponoka RCMP Staff Sergeant Mike Numan says they're doing about as much as they can with their current resources, but believes having more officers would help curb the crime.

"It always would be nice to have more officers, but we understand the Province's budget constraints. So we have to deal with what we have and come up with a best way to work with the community. And make sure our officers are doing what they can and the best job possible with what we have."

Over the past 5 years, robberies have increased over 200%, break and enters 57%, and vehicle thefts 48%.

But while those crimes are usaully harder to stop from happening, fraud which is up 75% is an easier crime to prevent.

Numan says it seems no matter how much they warn the public they still fall for phone scammers.

"If it looks good, or sounds too good to be true, it is. Guaranteed. There is nobody at the other end of the phone that's going to give you money. If they're claiming to be somebody that knows you or your bank, just hang up and call your bank to confirm. But I have yet to see a transaction that actually works out where you're making money. Be rude, and hang up."

Numan says they'll continue to stress those words until people get the picture.

As for curbing property crimes, Numan says they'll do that by increasing patrols in rural areas, and going after habitual offenders.

Letting them know that if they continue to break the law, they will be caught.