The RCMP in Vanderhoof will be buying new crime fighting equipment to battle outlaw activites thanks to $7,300 grant from proceeds of crime.
“We’re getting a video camera and night vision goggles and infrared (heat sensing) equipment,” Staff Sergeant D.M. Beach said.
He added this will go a long way to fighting drug grow ops and other illegal activities tied to organized crime in this area.
“When there’s a house or a vehicle and they can’t prove they got it legitimately we can seize it,” Beach added.
The Vanderhoof detachment commander thanked the MLA for Nechako Lakes, John Rustad for the monies that are being granted to the police and social services in our region. “Nechako Lakes is getting four grants,” Rustad noted.
Carrier Sekani Family Services for the Nechako district received $250,000 for a Highway of Tears Prevention and Awareness fund which they said will address community safety and prevent violence against women along Hwy. 16 where dozens of women have disappeared.
This will include the delivery of seven community safety workshops to train aboriginal leaders, educators, community agencies, RCMP and victim services on the use of a violence prevention toolkit. They will also undertake a media awareness campaign to educate the public about violence against women and to promote violence prevention.
Burns Lake will benefit from $200,000 for a Walk Tall program that is trying to help youth at risk. Carrier Sekani Family Services will work closely with the Burns Lake Band, Burns Lake RCMP, Lake Babine Nation, Nee Tai First Nation, Wetsuweten First Nations, MCFD and School District 91 in implementing Walk Tall Burns Lake. This program will entail gender specific programming, intensive case management for high risk youth, recreational and cultural activities and mentorship programming. Another key component of the fund will go toward a RCMP/youth relationship building and mentoring.
District of Vanderhoof councillor Brian Frenkle was also on hand to thank the province for helping fight crime in Vanderhoof.
“We need to stand up and say no to organized crime ... they don’t care how they impact the community so we like to look at whatever tools we can use to help.
He noted there is a walk being organized for the regions communities to bring awareness about violence, drugs and organized crime activities being on the rise.
The district is looking at using fire regulations to help investigate suspicious activities and fire hazards such as grow-ops can pose.