But Shelkie adds the homeowner is part of the problem.

“The RCMP has targeted this house for criminality, but enforcement doesn’t really help when the landlord simply rents again to a new group of individuals similar to the last ones,” said Shelkie.

“This shooting is a symptom of renting to criminals.”

Shelkie says the homeowner can’t claim ignorance, as this is not the first set of shady tenants to whom he has rented the home.

“Previous to this group of people renting (at 217 Nelson), there was a different group. Different sections in the RCMP worked together and had that group moved out. But then the homeowner rented again who have criminal ties,” said Shelkie.

“We’ve done outreach with the owner regarding how to choose good renters and so on, but it hasn’t resulted in better tenants. So that’s something that we want to tell homeowners, if they’re renting a residence, please consider who you’re renting to.”

Shelkie notes the RCMP has limited powers of search and arrest in cases of a problem property, and its resources don’t allow the detachment to put this home and others like it on constant surveillance.

She advises neighbours of criminal properties to made a diary of ongoing suspicious activity, and most importantly, be willing and prepared to appear as a witness in court.