RESIDENTS FIRED UP ABOUT VANDALS, DRUGS

Otterville residents have had enough of vandalism and drugs and they
are speaking out in an effort to take back their community.

A group of residents is trying to raise community awareness about
teenagers who have been roaming the streets looking for trouble.

The group includes Mike Sanders, Gail Lewis, Mae Leonard, Barbara and
Colin Cope and Don Ryder.

According to the group, vandals have damaged the new Otterville
playground. The assailants have burnt holes in the equipment which
resulted in a plastic welder being hired to repair the damage, said
Don Ryder. Now, Ryder is vigilant about watching the park.

"I go there every morning and Iook it over to see if there's damage,"
he said.

The problem in the village appears to be caused by youth in their
early to mid-teens, said Gail Lewis.

The problem isn't confined to vandalism. There is also a growing drug
problem in the village. Colin Cope displayed drug paraphernalia he
found behind the post office in Otterville. Cope planned to give the
items to police.

"Parents have just no idea" that there are drugs in Otterville, said
Lewis. "It's not just marijuana."

The drug users are also being brazen about their drug use as they are
getting strung out in public.

"They're not trying to hide it," said Ryder.

According to the group, vandals have smashed windows at the Otterville
Mill, damaged a plaque at the cenotaph as well as buildings. Also,
bikes have been damaged at the entrance to Otterville Park.

The damage to the cenotaph was the last straw for Cope. He doesn't
understand this senseless act.

"If they ever got that plaque off, it'd be in the creek," said Cope.
"Why would you vandalize the cenotaph at the park?" he said.

The group is also concerned about damage to private
property.

Late one evening when Sanders was returning from work, he came home to
see one youth defecate at the side of his trailer. The offender was
able to get away but Sanders is now on guard.

"When I hear stuff going on I step out. I'm not afraid of (these
kids)," he said.

However, the group believes fear is a big reason some of the youth are
out of control. Ryder doesn't blame parents for their fear because
it's their children who have to go to school with some of the culprits.

While people may be afraid, Cope encourages residents to contact the
police if they see something wrong.

"People shouldn't be afraid to report suspicious activity," he
said.

The group believes an increased police presence and enforcement of
existing by-laws will deter these crimes.

One excuse these residents hear concerning vandalism is there is
nothing to do in Otterville. They don't believe this is a legitimate
argument.

"It's just because there's nothing to do, it's no excuse for
vandalism," said Cope.

Lewis added there's a new playground, ball diamond, as well as
organized sports to keep teenagers busy.

Although Otterville doesn't have a Neighbourhood Watch, residents are
looking out for one another.

"That's the great thing about this community is we watch out for each
other even though there isn't a Neighbourhood Watch," said Lewis.

The group is hoping that, by speaking out, the community will begin to
address these problems because they won't go away.

"It's something we can't walk away from," said Cope.