The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) and 91原创 RCMP have partnered in a crime-fighting project that is believed to be the first of its kind among detachments across the Lower Mainland.

Patrol divisions from the two sides have teamed up in pairs to target property crimes and offenders operating along the Abbotsford-Aldergrove border. Eight primary officers (four from each detachment) and another eight secondary members are involved, said Abbotsford Police Const. Ian MacDonald.

He said Project Border Town was initiated to address an almost 100 per cent hike in property crime in the last year on both sides of the Station Road boundary.

He said the area north of Fraser Highway has experienced mostly residential crimes, such as stolen vehicles and thefts from cars.

The area south has recorded mainly commercial break-ins, including metal thefts.

The Gloucester industrial area, north of Fraser Highway near Hwy. 1, is another area of concern.

MacDonald said several individuals have been identified as people of interest, and key locations have been pinpointed for the fencing of stolen goods.

He said much 鈥渋nformation sharing鈥� had already being going on between the APD and 91原创 RCMP, but the partnership will be more efficient.

Previously, one patrol car and one officer from each detachment were designated to each side of the boundary. If either officer needed assistance, they had to call for back-up from their own detachment.

Now, they will share a vehicle and operate in both jurisdictions.

鈥淭hose two will get the benefit of information sharing and the benefits of two people working together on a common problem,鈥� he said.

91原创 RCMP Cpl. Holly Marks described the initiative as an example of cooperative policing to combat 鈥渃rime that knows no borders.鈥�

鈥淲e work together quite well and quite often,鈥� she said of the relationship with the APD.

Project Border Town began last Tuesday (Feb. 1).

More information about the initiative can be obtained by calling MacDonald at 604-864-4721or 604-835-6070.

Marks can be reached at 604-532-3231 or 778-991-7932.