Whether it’s one of those momentary blips or the beginning of a long-term trend, our community has witnessed a number of violent criminal incidents lately that deserve our attention.
No community is safe from crime, but when what had been petty theft and break-ins escalates to brazen attacks, we need to become involved.
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During the last week alone, an individual attempted to wrestle a gun from an officer who asked the man to stop on a routine matter, and a thief carried out a smash and grab from a residence at which the owners were home.
Within the past few weeks, a Wallaceburg teenager walking in a park was assaulted in an attempted robbery, and cars have been set ablaze in Wallaceburg and Chatham.
In many of the more violent incidents, drugs are a significant contributing factor as addicts who become desperate to get money to feed their habits throw caution to the wind.
Such incidents are crimes of opportunity and are virtually unstoppable by police. They can only do their job after the fact.
The best defense for citizens is to be aware of what’s going on and realize that making their property less desirable means it is less likely to be stolen.
Take advantage of services such as the Chatham-Kent Police Service Telephone Crime Alert Program by visiting www.ckpolice.com/smarts_calert.asp or calling 519-352-4650.
The program is one of a number of such efforts under the Crime Prevention and Community Safety initiative.
The factors that contribute to an increase in drug abuse in our community are many and require contributions from law enforcement, the medical and mental health sector, as well as social services to be solved.
None of us alone can deal with the issue, but if we each do our part, we can protect ourselves and make this community a safer and better place to live.
One way to deter criminal activity would be to elect municipal counselors that work to help residents instead of themselves, like Marjorie Crew and police that work for citizens not city hall.
for example Marjorie Crew ordering my House demolished, because she didn't like it even though I had hired a renovation company to restore it, a year after I had bought it. with Marjorie my main suspect for launching a complaint and then using her authority order the demolition.
I believe this to be a criminal act that needs looking into
Who has an interest in the property, M Crew or another official, corrution and conspiracy