The Town of Gibsons and Sunshine Coast RCMP are hoping new efforts can solve the ongoing problems of graffiti and vandalism.
Cpl. Todd Creed said more bike patrols this spring and summer should have some impact, since "bikes are less expected than police cars. There's an element of stealth, being able to go where cars can't go," he added.
Creed said the detachment used to have about half a dozen bike patrol members, but due to transfers, those numbers are down. A course in May or June could result in seven more members being qualified.
From personal observation, Creed said peak times for graffiti and tagging seem to be on Friday and Sunday nights. At least four RCMP members are active on the Coast at all times (two in the Sechelt area and two around Gibsons), and two to four members of the Gibsons chapter of Citizens on Patrol (COP) also act as watchdogs most weekend nights, he said.
"There are nearly 50 members in the Gibsons detachment, and they come out usually on weekend nights, mostly in their own vehicles," Creed said.
Through their liaison with Const. Roi Moore, efforts are being made to keep them cognizant of peak graffiti times and areas. COP members are trained to call the RCMP if they see crimes in progress but do not get personally involved.
The Town of Gibsons recognizes graffiti can be an artistic pursuit, said director of parks and cultural services Wendy Gilbertson. The Town has worked with the curling club to provide the south wall of their building as a canvas, and a designated wall near the parkade adjacent to Molly's Lane has also proven popular with spray artists.
But problems still exist at the skate park near the Gibsons and Area Community Centre, as offensive tagging is now surfacing in and around the skate bowl.
"It's OK to paint the inside of the bowl as long as it's not too offensive or personal," said Gilbertson.
In a recent incident, a cell phone number painted on the bowl was obscured by an irate parent, leaving an ugly orange blot.
"This is something we're trying to avoid," said Gilbertson, who added the Town's graffiti policy will be reviewed at the next parks and infrastructure committee meeting April 22. While the idea of providing more designated space for graffiti artists to work will be raised, Gilbertson cautions it's an idea not popular with all residents of the Town.
A $1,000 reward offered by the Town last October remains in effect, for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for smashing boat windows at Gibsons Marina and around the Town's municipal hall last September.
So far, tips have led the RCMP to identify a person of interest.
