DRUGGIES ARE BACK IN TOWN

The downtown druggies and thugs have come out of the woodwork early
this year, and more of them are packing weapons.

Police and downtown agencies hope to get a jump on the problem during
a meeting Thursday, but RCMP are already considering bringing in cops
on overtime to supplement regular downtown patrols.

RCMP Insp. Cam Forgues said that although the situation is "far
better" than it was last spring, the early arrival of more dangerous
people has raised an alert.

"We are going to meet with all of the agencies in the downtown to find
ways to collectively deal with the small majority who are causing
grief," said Forgues. "They are coming from everywhere in increasing
numbers and with weapons. I'm not surprised. The weather has been great."

He said a decision on increasing patrols on an overtime basis would be
made soon.

"We want to stay ahead of the problem downtown."

Four officers are dedicated to the downtown. Forgues said they were on
the beat during the winter, but also took their vacation to be ready
for the "peak season."

Selena Stearns of the Kelowna Drop-In Centre is worried for the safety
of her staff and the peaceful street people who use the centre.

"I have never had a problem (with a gun) inside the building -- knock
on wood -- but are we aware they are outside the doors? You bet," said
Stearns.

"When police pull a vehicle over now, a weapon is often in the
forefront."

She said the Thursday meeting will involve the RCMP, Drop-In Centre,
Kelowna Gospel Mission, Ki-low-na Friendship Centre and outreach workers.

"Summer is coming up, and there will continue to be an influx," she
said. "It's still a small percentage of the total, but that small
percentage is getting more dangerous.

"But you can't be paralysed with your fear. That fear has to inspire
motivated action."

She said Leon Avenue agencies welcome the police presence "with open
arms," but the four officers have to cover 24 hours, not including
days off.

"When they make an arrest, they are off the road for an hour at a
time," she said. "Who will replace them? That's a problem."

Stearns said she didn't know where the guns are coming from, but
police think that most guns on the streets of Toronto were smuggled
from the U.S.

Stearns said there is little workers at downtown agencies could do if
faced with a violent person other than call police, but they will
discuss a plan to keep troublemakers out of their facilities.

Randy Benson of the Gospel Mission, who will host the meeting, said
his staff have noticed more people hanging around outside and they go
out occasionally to ask them to move along.

An employee of Kelly O'Brien's restaurant, who asked not to be named,
said she wants more of a police presence, especially at night.

"It's coming early this year," she said. "There are tons of homeless
and drug addicts, and they are all downtown. It's OK during the day,
but I'm all for more police at night."