RCMP say their downtown crime-fighting efforts are paying off.
Along with regular patrols, RCMP rolled out “targeted enforcement efforts” over the summer specifically aimed at the downtown core.
“Downtown is a priority area in the RCMP’s annual policing plan,” said Staff Sgt. Jeff McBeth, acting operations officer for the Red Deer detachment.
“By establishing target-based enforcement in the downtown, our officers were able to make inroads into reducing crime in the downtown.”
The co-ordinated effort led to 214 arrests, 422 criminal charges, 364 warrants executed and 31 stolen vehicles recovered during the 1,337 patrol hours devoted to the operation.
As well, 547 provincial tickets were issued, and six bylaw offences were responded to.
“We are committed to ensuring the downtown remains one of our top priorities and our continued efforts will ensure that it is safe and enjoyable for everyone,” said McBeth.
Games Music owner Tony Redelback said while police efforts are welcomed by business owners, the lasting results are probably “negligible.”
“It’s 200 arrests. But how many of these were the same person over and over again,” said Redelback, who moved his store from a location around the corner on Little Gaetz last spring — largely because of the crime, drug use and vagrancy in that area — to 4924 Ross St. .
“It’s a revolving door. There are no consequences, and if there are no consequences, they don’t care.
“The worst that’s going to happen to them is they get a free meal and a place to sleep for the day.”
Redelback said he does not have the answer to the problem and is sure police are just as frustrated.
“It’s something that’s better than nothing,” he said of RCMP efforts. “I understand from the police perspective, it’s got to be as frustrating as hell for them, when they’re arresting the same person time and time again.”
Meanwhile, he keeps hearing from customers that they don’t want to come downtown because of crime fears.
pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com
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