On the afternoon of November 11, 2023, members of the Cobourg Police Service conducted a community canvass in the east end of Cobourg to hear community safety concerns directly from residents.
“We have been seeing concerns raised online about community safety and crime that do not align with the reports we have been receiving. The goal of the community canvass was to hear directly from residents about their community safety concerns, learn about any unreported crime, and look at how we can address concerns or bring issues to the appropriate community partner to be able to address the issue. We are thankful for everyone’s engagement and candid feedback. We hope to canvass other neighbourhoods in the future,” said Sergeant Janice MacDonald, Cobourg Police Service.
Between 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., uniform officers and special constables canvassed 116 homes. They spoke with 90 individuals from the neighbourhoods of Cottesmore Avenue, Meredith Avenue, Thomas Street, Jane Street, Brook Road North, Rolling Street, and King Street East (between Cottesmore Avenue and Brook Road North).
The top community concerns brought forward by residents were:
• Feeling unsafe while walking in the neighbourhood.
• Concerns with people trespassing on their property.
• Concerns with property being stolen from backyards and porches.
• Concerns with people going through garbage and recycling.
• Finding drug paraphernalia in the area.
• Speed and traffic concerns.
• Street lighting.
When asked what they would like to see done to address concerns, the top responses were:
• Increased police presence through foot patrols, especially at night.
• Implementation of CCTV cameras in and around neighbourhoods.
• Speed and traffic enforcement in the area, especially around schools.
• Better neighbourhood lighting.
Follow-up actions, resources, and responses to canvass feedback will be posted on the CPS Facebook page.
Thank you to all the residents who shared their feedback and experience of community safety. CPS will continue to analyze the feedback collected, work to address police-related issues, and share information with other community partners who can assist. CPS will conduct community canvasses in other areas of the Town of Cobourg in the future.
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
