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Community Safety Bulletin, June 2011

A Bulletin produced by Safer Futures for the CSAC June 2011 Edition

“Promoting Safety in the Cowichan Region”
Presented by Cowichan Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC)

‘Mosquito’ Discussed as a Means of Addressing Youth Vandalism

Ladysmith council is considering employing a device that emits a high pitch whine to deter loitering by teens at Transfer Beach Park. The park is experiencing vandalism suspected to be perpetrated by youth frequenting the area at night. The ‘Mosquito’ is used in other locations as a deterrent to youth, causing them discomfort with the irritating noise it emits – a noise that supposedly can only be heard by people between the ages of 13-25. Not all of the council agrees that this is the best way to address the problem, and acknowledge that most youth are socially appropriate and the problems are caused by only a few. Discussions around possible solutions continue.

Cowichan Valley Open Learning Co-op Showcases Students Artistic Talents

Grade 11 and 12 alternate school students from CVOLC put on a grand display of their artistic talents during the ‘Minds and Mediums’ art show at the Benchmark Gallery in downtown Duncan. From May 12th-28th , the public was invited to both view and purchase student created art pieces. Showcasing the student’s art has now become an annual event, with positive outcomes for both the presenters and the public.

No Closure in the Tyeshia Jones Murder Investigation

Investigators continue to work diligently towards uncovering evidence that would enable them to lay charges in this unsolved murder case. The body of the 18 year old young women was discovered 3 months ago, and no suspects have been charged as yet. Mary Jim, Tyeshia’s mom, has asked the community for some privacy, and requests that if people have information about her daughter’s case, to take that to the police, not to the family.

RCMP Working with Bar Owners to Address Safe and Respectful Social Behaviours

The RCMP is working with bar owners in conducting a ‘Bar Watch Program’ in Duncan. The program is aimed at addressing and promoting safe and respectful social behaviours in local business that serve alcohol. Bar Watch includes guidelines for both patrons and establishment serving staff. With an agreed upon ‘code of conduct’ being the guiding framework of the plan, the hope is that both patrons and staff will work together to maintain a social atmosphere that is free of uncivil behaviours. The City of Duncan, the District of North Cowichan and the Cowichan Valley Regional District have all endorsed the ‘Bar Watch Program’.

Local Credit Card Fraud Activity

Community Policing assisted a local merchant with a credit card fraud, linked to investigations throughout the province with the RCMP Commercial Crime Section. Local RCMP investigated and was able to conduct an undercover set-up in Parksville, resulting in the arrest of two individuals from the mainland. Community Policing has been sharing its Business Watch programs with other detachments. Also, Shawnigan Lake (Mill Bay Merchants) will be launching one soon.

Block Watch Expanding

Since the April CSAC meeting, five new Block Watch sites are in process of being certified. They are: Diana Drive (Properties Area), Deuchars Drive (Gibbins Rd/Hospital Area), Akira/Webdon (Sahtlam/Upper River Bottom Area), Sahtlam Estates Road (Upper Sahtlam) and Pauline Street (Crofton).

Youth Voter Numbers Up

Following the May 2011 federal elections, the percentage of Canadian voters increased 2.6 from the 2008 record low. Here in Cowichan, what is considered to have most affected the surge in local voter turnout was the number of young people showing up at the polls on Election Day. And these youth were not only showing up to vote, but also volunteering to support the incumbents during the election drive. Successful candidate Jean Crowder said, “We had a lot of young people join this campaign” and added that she would like to keep them involved by, “putting together a youth council”.

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