Hazelton RCMP and the Village of Hazelton are teaming up to address some of the loitering that is going on downtown.
Sergeant Jeff Pelley spoke at the regular meeting of council on June 17.
“There has been an increased number of reports of individuals drinking in the downtown core and along the boardwalk,” he said. “We are trying to tackle the issue as a community and also from an enforcement perspective with increased patrols, foot patrols, speaking to individuals and getting to the root cause, which seems to be an alcoholism factor.”
Pelley added police are using education, enforcement and prevention to address the problems.
“It seems to be working and speaking with the individuals not only when they are under the influence but when they are sober. Also, community leaders and members of the public have also been speaking with these individuals because they know each. They are trying to assist them with getting into programs, and providing a support system, as are we.”
He said that seeing an increase in loitering often happens when the weather gets warmer.