With spring here and warmer weather upon us, the Prince George RCMP have increased resources in the downtown and surrounding areas of the city. This initiative began on Monday May 18, and will continue throughout the summer.
Officers have returned to bicycles and foot patrols to compliment patrol vehicles and provide a quieter approach to negative elements on the streets in these commercial areas.
As the community enters the second phase of the provincial COVID-19 response and businesses begin to reopen, police want the general public to feel safer and confident when attending the downtown and surrounding commercial areas.
“These areas are shopping and entertainment destinations in our community,” said Supt. Shaun Wright, Officer in Charge of the Prince George RCMP, in a news release. “Reducing crime and calls for service is a priority for the detachment, and it will be noticeable.”
The RCMP are continuing to work with community partners such as Downtown Prince George and the Gateway Business Improvement Area Society to rid these areas of negative elements.
“It has been difficult seeing the change in our downtown since COVID-19 closed business doors or limited customer access,” said Colleen Van Mook, Executive Director of Downtown Prince George. “We know that many are now re-opening and want to see their customers again. We are pleased to know that the RCMP will be back out with feet and wheels on the ground to help us welcome people back to the heart of our city and our great Downtown Prince George businesses.”