WEST BOUNTIFUL -- The incidence of car prowls and residential burglaries normally reaches its peak during the holidays -- break-in artists seeking a quick score on someone else's Christmas shopping.

But former West Bountiful Police Chief Mike Wright had nothing but praise for the efforts of his officers in combating that trend during those final days of 2005. Speaking before members of the city council Jan. 17, Wright noted the department logged just five auto burglaries and residential break-ins during the month of December. That, he said, is a very low number.

"The guys did a great job during the holidays," said Wright. "They were out patrolling those neighborhoods."

Another good thing, he added, "we didn't have any dead bodies turn up this past year."

The West Bountiful department answered 1,355 calls during December, Wright noting, "it was Christmas." A total of 88 arrests were made.

As part of his report, the chief also introduced one of the department's newest officers -- Russ Martin. Martin comes to West Bountiful with four years of experience in a neighboring community under his belt.

"He came over and hit the ground running," said Wright. "We're very happy with Russ."

bmickelson@davisclipper.com