Pubdate: Wed, 29 Oct 2014
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2014 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Author: Doug Gallant
Page: A5

WARD 4 RESIDENTS WANT DRUG ISSUE TACKLED

Mary Jones has been a lifelong resident of Ward 4.

She loves her comfortable old house.

She loves her neighbourhood because she's close to everything she 
needs at this point in life, her children, her friends, her church, 
her corner store and her doctor.

She likes almost all her neighbours. Except one.

That's the guy in the house across the street she suspects is selling drugs.

Jones - who requested her real name not be used because of fear of 
retaliation - said at certain times of the month the house in 
question is like a drive-thru.

"People stop, some even leave the engine running or leave someone in 
the car, knock on the door, go in and five minutes later they leave 
and take off, trying to get out of there as quickly as possible as if 
they don't want anybody to see them."

Jones said the quality of life in the area has gone down, people are 
nervous, afraid their homes and vehicles will be broken into. Some 
have already been victimized.

Drug abuse and crimes that arise from drug abuse are a problem not 
just in Ward 4 but in several sections of the city.

Ward 4 incumbent Councillor Mitchell Tweel said he believes police in 
the city are doing what they can to control the sale of drugs but 
don't have the resources to do everything they'd like.

"Operation clean sweep was a great start and there have been a number 
of drug raids since, but we need more because we're experiencing a 
lot of break and enters. We need to dedicate more resources to this. 
I'd like to add two to four more officers to the street crime unit."

Tweel believes building stronger neighbourhoods and communities will 
help stem the flow of drugs.

Ted Kitson, who's hoping to replace Tweel on council, said the sale 
of drugs from houses and apartments throughout Ward Four is an issue 
of great concern.

"The need for drugs has contributed greatly to the street crime and 
home invasions we are experiencing."

Kitson said crimes related to drug use aren't just happening under 
cover of darkness anymore but in broad daylight.

"People are feeling unsafe on the street and in their homes, 
particularly the elderly and those who live in close proximity to 
those selling drugs."

While touring the ward, Kitson said he's had people point to houses 
where drugs are sold and tell him how much better things would be if 
they were gone.

People would like to see more police on the street.

He said the police can't be everywhere but they're doing the best 
they can. He too would like to see more police on the streets.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom