A resident of the Salisbury Road area near the Moncton city limits is concerned about squatters setting up encampments and the property crime associated with them.
Krista Mullins told Moncton City Council this is not a homelessness issue but has become a safety issue.
“We have a right to feel safe in our city and enjoy it and it does not feel that way to many of us any longer.”
Mullins said these individuals are not homeless but don’t want to follow rules and be part of society.
She noted how treehouses have been built at some encampments and stolen generators and electrical setups have been found.
“People are seeing their items for sale on Kijiji and Marketplace. You can drive down the road and watch them stripping the copper wires out of things.”
She said some businesses have spent thousands cleaning up the mess created by squatters.
Mullins added many of the crimes are going unreported.
At the same council meeting, Codiac RCMP Acting Superintendent Ron DaSilva said while the force has limited resources it would like to use them in the best way possible.
He urged residents in the area to come forward if they have any concerns or want to report a crime.
