NO EASY SOLUTION TO CRIME PROBLEM

Vernon's downtown core is in the spotlight again -- and for all the
wrong reasons.

While the city has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars
revitalizing the 30th Avenue, merchants occupying the downtown core
are becoming increasingly frustrated with the clientele that has
overtaken the area.

There's no question Vernon's city centre has seen an increase in the
amount of transient population and with it an increase in
drug-related crime in the area.

The most recent incident surrounds an armed robbery at the 24/7
Clothing Co. Owner Charlene McNaught is calling on the RCMP for more
presence in the downtown core while at the same time openly
considering relocating her store out of the area. The store owner
cites not only concerns for her business, but the well-being of her employees.

While McNaught's concerns are legitimate, the responsibility does not
only fall on that of the police. As Cpl. Proce points out the
downtown core is already the most heavily patrolled area in the
Vernon detachment.

A greater presence by the RCMP does not come without a price. Funding
for such patrols is going to mean the RCMP will either need more
money in their budget or other police services will have to be cut.
Vernon RCMP have already stopped attending traffic accidents in an
effort to better utilize their time.

If the business community and residents are looking for a solution,
it is going to take a co-ordinated effort between the city of Vernon,
the RCMP and the local social agencies that deal with drug-related issues.

Vernon council has shown it is willing to address social concerns.
For the health and well-being of an economically vibrant downtown
core, council should start doing its homework.