“We see small fires against buildings every single night.”
That’s from Downtown PG President Eoin (Owen) Foley regarding the social disorder downtown.
To combat the issues, the Prince George RCMP is assigning eight members seven days a week to address crimes such as arson, mischief and assaults.
Foley says the enhanced patrols are a small step in the right direction, but it won’t stop the volume of fires taking place.
“There are plenty of fires that are caused just to start a fire. Me and my neighbours all have security footage of people in our alleys over the years and people starting fires and walking away or circling around in a state that you’d assume they are high on drugs.”
“Fires can get out of control and there is far more in Prince George than in other municipalities. It’s an anomaly statistically according to some provincial officials but this needs to be addressed because its incredibly serious.”
In September, a major blaze to the Crossroads Brewing location resulted in $1.8 million dollars in damages.
Owner Daryl Leiski said he will not rebuild until the climate in the downtown core changes.
57-year-old Richard Titchener was arrested by Mounties and charged with arson causing damage to property.
“Even a hundred more officers isn’t going to solve the problem. I am happy to take the extra officers to keep our streets a little bit safer but the next steps we really need are the visionary systemic changes,” added Foley.
Two officers will be on each shift, seven days a week, supplemented by overtime shifts according to the City of Prince George.
A zero tolerance policy for fire-related incidents, including mischief and arson will be implemented.
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