Oshawa mayor Dan Carter says that the volume of complaints regarding criminal behaviour in public spaces has dropped significantly since Durham police conducted an enforcement campaign.

“I’m very grateful for the work that Durham police and its team undertook in regards to the violations that were happening in our city, I’m very pleased about the results,” Carter said.

Durham police laid almost 100 charges and made 18 arrests during a five-week enforcement campaign focusing on loitering, drug use and other criminal behaviour in central areas of Oshawa.

The campaign included both mobile and foot patrols with the goal of creating a visible police presence in order to decrease lawless behaviour and increase safety for the community. Patrolled areas included Memorial Park, property around Oshawa City Hall at 50 Centre St. S., trails, green spaces and private property at several businesses.

The five-week initiative ended Nov. 14 and included provincial offences charges related to smoking and trespassing as well as 18 arrests, mostly on outstanding warrants.

There were also 30 Liquor Licensing Act charges related mainly to drinking in public spaces.

In addition to regular front-line patrols, the campaign included 450 hours of additional enforcement and patrols.

Carter said there has been a noticeable decrease in complaints to his office from the public since Durham police undertook the enforcement effort.

“It’s died down considerably,” he said.

In late summer, the mayor said he was getting six to 10 calls per day from mid-July on complaining of theft, drug dealing, prostitution, noise, fights and intimidation.

He said he heard from a 94-year-old woman who was intimidated by someone who broke into her backyard to steal vegetables.

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In response, Carter wrote a letter to Durham police chief Paul Martin and met with him to ask him to tackle the issue.

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The enforcement does not mean the end to community efforts to help the homeless, but Carter stressed that every resident in Oshawa — sheltered or unsheltered — has to treat fellow residents with respect.

“We continue to believe that those that are struggling with addiction and mental health, we will do everything to assist them, and those who break the law or victimize other people in the community, we will hold them accountable and they will be arrested,” said the mayor.

Reka Szekely is a reporter for DurhamRegion.com. Reach her via email: rszekely@durhamregion.com

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