Ongoing vandalism, especially in the Bonniebrook area, continues to be a major concern for Sunshine Coast RCMP.
At the Monday, Nov. 1, meeting of the Sunshine Coast Regional District policing committee, a letter was received from a Bonniebrook resident detailing ongoing incidents of vandalism over the past few years. The violent nature of the episodes is escalating and last month the writer had a rock thrown through her front bedroom window that damaged her closet.
Cpl. Don Newman responded that the area raises difficulties in policing because of the limited access the RCMP have to the area. There is only one road into the area, but several footpaths out.
He said often by the time the police arrive, the perpetrators are long gone. The RCMP is dedicating more resources to the area, he added.
However, both Newman and Sgt. Russ Howard said the onus is also on residents in the neighbourhood to report obvious unlawful acts. Howard advised that one of the RCMP members who lives in the area had a neighbour tell the officer about a couple of rowdies drinking in the neighbour's front yard. The neighbour didn't report the incident.
"People see these things, but they're somewhat loath to call us," Howard said.
On the topic of the proliferation of unlocked vehicle thefts, Howard bemoaned the public's lack of responsibility.
"Lock your car, otherwise you might as well put a sign on the door saying 'please steal me'," he said.
Crimestoppers
Newman advised that Crimestoppers is experiencing significant problems with funding and volunteers. He feels the program is vital to the Coast where there is an "apathy for information for us [the RCMP]."
Newman said the police are frequently hitting a brick wall in their quest for information.
"[Crimestoppers] is a program we can't afford to lose," he said.
He requested and received pledges of support from both Coast Reporter and C-KAY radio station at Monday's meeting.
Newman said the local force is also looking to have an active auxiliary group again. They're currently seeking volunteers for the auxiliary constable program. Another volunteer group, Citizens on Patrol, will have training in January.
"Anything we can do with volunteer programs, we're doing," Newman said.
RCMP costs
Quoting an RCMP newsletter that said there is consultation between the RCMP and the province, Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk expressed displeasure with the download of costs for policing to the local communities. He advised there has been little consultation with communities in the past about cost increases.
"There is a lack of respect of taxpayers of our own communities. We're the ones ultimately paying the bill," Janyk said.
