Codiac RCMP have been asked to increase patrols in the Mark Avenue area of Moncton near a temporary homeless shelter.
The issue came up as Superintendent Ben Jolette provided his regular update to city council on Monday.
Councillor Bryan Butler was among several councillors who heard concerns from residents and the principal of Harrison Trimble High School about growing vandalism in the neighbourhood at a recent town hall meeting.
“Because it seems like every day it’s happening. Even at night, they are breaking into the bus. They are stealing everything that’s laying around,” noted Butler.
He suggested a greater police presence in the area.
Butler said residents are feeling scared and sometimes find individuals in their apartment buildings between the two main doorways.
Deputy mayor Shawn Crossman was also at the town hall and felt other groups such as the RCMP and the province should also have attended.
“During that meeting, a lot of social issues came up and a lot of crime in the neighborhood came up. I just want you to understand that was my position at the time when asked by the community group,” Crossman noted.
Superintendent Jolette confirmed to council that RCMP had not been contacted or invited to attend the town hall.
The Mark Avenue temporary shelter at the Lions Centre is being funded by the provincial government, is being operated by YMCA ReConnect, and is scheduled to remain open until June 30.
