Pubdate: Tue, 27 Sep 2005
Source: Thorold News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005, OSPREY Media Group Inc
Contact:  http://thorold.niagaracommunitynewspapers.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3721
Author: Petr Cihacek

BUSINESSES TO UNITE IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS, PROSTITUTION

Thorold's Business Improvement Area has decided to unite businesses 
in a fight against drug dealers, prostitutes and their clients who 
deter some people from walking downtown.

"We've been trying to think of a way to combat the situation 
downtown," BIA co-ordinator Becky Day said, adding the group is 
hoping to adopt a program similar to neighbourhood watch, with 
business owners watching out for each other to make the area safer.

Day said the idea of community watch came from Paul DeDivitiis, the 
co-owner of Moose and Goose.

"The idea's that everybody comes together and keeps the downtown 
safer," Day said. "And when they see anything we hope they'll contact 
the police and don't look the other way anymore."

Mayor Robin Brock said a downtown community watch is a wonderful idea 
because the core is having more problems than it used to.

"We do have a bit of a drug problem we're aware of," Brock said. 
"That brings unscrupulous characters who come downtown looking for 
drug dealers. We don't want them downtown and we don't want them in 
our community."

Coun. Fred Neale said some residents don't feel Front Street is safe anymore.

"Especially in the evening seniors won't walk downtown," Neale said, 
adding that some retirees told him that even during the day they 
hesitate to walk past certain groups of people on Front Street.

Neale also said the drug problem is more prevalent and there are more 
dealers downtown.

He said some people told him drug dealers have started offering drugs 
to students near Thorold Secondary School.

The councillor said he also heard reports on prostitution downtown.

"Some people came up to me that there are women who seem to be picked 
up by men," he said. "There are two or three different ones as far as I know."

Neale, who is a BIA executive, said the group brought the problem to 
the police.

"Police will do what they can but people should have their ears to 
the ground and if they see something call the police department," Neale said.

Day proposed the idea to downtown business owners at the latest BIA meeting.

"Everybody seemed to be very receptive. Everybody seemed to like the idea."

She also said she's been exploring suitable community watch logos.

"We'll encourage store owners and business owners to put a sticker or 
poster in their window," Day said. "This will show that they're participating."

DeDivitiis said community watch will make it easier for owners to 
work together on giving downtown business a boost.

"It's a unity thing," he said. "We all are working for the same goal."
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman