Pubdate: Thu, 25 Jul 2002
Source: Penticton Herald (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.theokanagan.net/penticton/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/664

CRIME SOLUTIONS NOT SO SIMPLE, CROWD TOLD

Fighting criminals on their own turf shouldn't be one of the solutions for 
folks who want to take a bite out of crime.

However, becoming aware and forming block watches is a tool people can use 
to help eradicate society's more nefarious elements.

That was the message delivered to about 50 people who turned out Tuesday to 
the latest in a series of meetings dealing with justice for victims and 
punishment for criminals.

Much of the discussion focused on Penticton's downtown core -- particularly 
Orchard Avenue, where suspected drug dealers ply their trade.

Solutions suggested went as far as picketing houses and videotaping the 
occupants to force them out of business.

However, Staff Sgt. Pete McLaren of the Penticton RCMP cautioned residents 
about their actions, particularly videotaping suspected criminals.

'Consider the people you're dealing with,' he said. 'These are not the 
stars of society. A lot of them couldn't care less what they do to you.'

Instead, crime prevention officer Al Sismey encouraged people to set up 
Neighbourhood Watch programs, in which people look out for each other.

'That's where we have fallen down. We really have to get back to looking 
out for each other and paying attention,' he said. 'The police can't do it 
all.'

Sismey said a block of six people can set up an effective program to deter 
crime.

'Until we all pitch in and do something, we don't have anything to complain 
about,' said Orchard Avenue resident Louise Nielson, who was at the 
Penticton Library auditorium meeting that included the local MP and the 
city's mayor.

McLaren was asked what police are doing about known drug houses. The staff 
sergeant said police put more emphasis on serious drugs, such as cocaine, 
that are causing bigger problems.

'A house selling marijuana is not high on our (priority) list,' he conceded
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom