RED ZONE COOLS OFF, MOST FEEL SAFE IN CORE

A few months ago crime in the Red Zone -- a one-kilometre-square section
downtown traditionally known for drug deals and prostitution -- raised
anxiety levels in the capital region.

Now, according to a Times Colonist/CH poll, 71 per cent of Greater Victoria
residents say they feel safe in the downtown core.

The poll asked residents if they have avoided travelling downtown in the
past 12 months out of concern for their personal safety. Only 21 per cent
of respondents said "yes."

"I'm not surprised. I think most people would agree that Victoria is by and
large a safe place," said Victoria Police Sgt. Charles Bates.

Although it has been an issue for decades, in the past year the Red Zone
has come under renewed focus as merchants voiced frustrations about a list
of complaints from prostitution to open-air injection sites.

In recent months there have been wide-ranging efforts among police, health,
business and government to seek solutions to the problems.

Victoria's new drug task force, for example, has cracked down on drug
dealing with numerous arrests.

"There has been a much more visible presence of the police," said Bates.
"There's been a lot more police out looking for traffickers, looking for
people selling drugs."

Still, Bates urged people to be aware of the risks downtown and to be
careful where they park their cars.