A number of resources were once again at a John Street residence in Cobourg.
This time it was for members of the Cobourg Fire Department and the Town of Cobourg Property Standards along with By-Law officers performing an inspection at the residence.
It was less than a week ago that Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf stood alongside town officials including Mayor John Henderson and Acting Fire Chief Gene Thompson at the intersection of John and James Street concerning the residence that has been the hub of activity involving police, paramedics and the fire department.
At that time VandeGraaf said police were well aware of what takes place at the residence and are taking significant steps to make the area safer including property standards.
Shortly after 10 a.m. members of the Cobourg Fire Department, Cobourg Police Department including a Forensic Identification Officer, Property Standards Department and by-law officers were at the residence.
VandeGraaf stated to Today’s Northumberland police were there for safety, but the inspection was lead by members of the fire department that included property standards and by-law.
“As we’ve indicated previously the issue we have is the safety perspective at three different levels. The greater community, the neighbourhood community and specifically for the residents of this particular address.”
“We know from our work and the work our people that there is a lot more people coming in and out of this place that truly would reside there.”
A sign on the front door of the duplex stated:
“Please if you have not spoken to someone who is on a lease here please turn away!!
This is not a free drop in zone. We live here, this is our home not a free for all!!
Thank you
The Tenants “
Officials worked into the afternoon conducting the investigation from the attic to the basement and every level in between.
Police were on standby at the residence for the safety of everyone.
“We’re taking a backseat just making sure everybody is safe. If there is anything is criminal in nature that needs to be managed our people are here on the scene.”
VandeGraaf reiterated this week that it is a “holistic approach to dealing with this particular problem.”
“This is the way we tend to move forward with the community safety and well being.”
With all town resources combing to solve the problem, VandeGraaf calls it a “insurmountable force.”
Since speaking with residents last week after the press conference a number of people stated to VandeGraaf they would like to see the police presence more in the area.
Police are regularly seen parked in the area in their cruisers during the day and at night.
VandeGraaf calls it an “analytic approach to crime abatement.”
“We look where our issues are coming, where are calls our coming from. We deploy very visible officers at times when it’s required and we also deploy covert.”
“We are here to show the community we mean business and that we’re interested in their not only being safe, but feeling safe.”
“The outpouring of officers sitting, stopping and hanging out for a bit has also created a gateway for resources.”
If people would like assistance the officers help them with resources, which could include driving them to medical appointments.
“That’s really important. Yes, we are here enforcing a variety of laws, but we’re also here trying to create a gateway to resources for those who are willing to accept that help.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
