POLICE CRACKDOWN WORKS AT MALL

Drug deals, fist fights and blatant intimidation are on the decline
at the Thompson Park Mall bus loop.

However, the RCMP isn't about to ease up on the popular hangout.
Police have honed in on the area since May after the mall, Farwest
Coach and RCMP formed a committee to tackle the problem.

"There's still certainly some concerns at night but, for the most
part, we're pleased with the results," says Brian Kelly, Farwest
Coach manager, who has his drivers provide reports.

"(Police) have been giving it very high profile and the problem has
disappeared 90 per cent."

He says young people, most with skateboards, often intimidated
elderly people away from the bus shelter by using coarse language and
performing stunts.

Kelly adds skateboarders would often crawl under buses to retrieve
skateboards gone astray after a failed trick.

"In some respects, we are very fortunate we haven't had a serious
incident. These old people were literally terrified."

RCMP Sgt. Randy Brown says police have taken a zero-tolerance policy
in the area on people drinking, using drugs or raising mischief.

"If they are there, they're arrested. We have to keep being vigilant
on it. It's not going away overnight."

He admits the crackdown has pushed crowds to other areas of the city.
"But, overall, it's better than last year."