The Nanaimo RCMP hope to have more resources for an on-the-ground initiative by the fall. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

Crime Watch

Nanaimo RCMP expanding Crime Watch program

Jul 24, 2019 | 3:10 PM

NANAIMO — Local police are working to expand a vital program putting more eyes and ears on the street.

Nanaimo RCMP hope to have a more-fulsome Crime Watch program up and running by the fall. It’s an evolution of the Cops on Patrol program from roughly a decade ago. Highly visible volunteers will patrol the community, observe crime hot spots and take diligent notes for RCMP officers.

Cst. Gary O’Brien said Crime Watch is an ideal way to engage with the community.

“People see them in the community, which is very important because then they know there’s a response to theft and break and enters. It’s reassuring for the people.”

The Crime Watch program is coming back to the forefront to combat a rise in negativity online about problem areas of the city.

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“We’re hearing a lot of negative rhetoric on social media of people who want to take situations into their own hands,” O’Brien said.

“We do not advocate for that, we do not support that, it’s a dangerous situation. This is a way to do something positive.” _{Gary O’Brien}

There’s currently several dozen volunteers already on Nanaimo streets. However, O’Brien said the program is constrained by having only one community policing vehicle at their disposal.

Discussions are currently underway to fund the program expansion and he expects it to be up and running by the fall.

“We would like to think there’s people out there who want to make a difference and are prepared to commit to the program. We’ll be pleasantly surprised if we get a handful of people.”

Anyone interested should be prepared to commit eight hours a month and pass certain tests to be welcomed to the Crime Watch program.

More information about how to sign up is expected in coming months.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit