To some it might be insignificant – to others maybe not.
But a sticker on a sign might say a lot about where policing has gone in Cobourg.
It was noticed on a walk a few days ago on Chapel Street just by Division Street.
Essentially right across the road from Transition House.
The sign posted by police states that pedestrians have entered an area monitored by closed circuit television.
Above the sign is a camera which takes video of likely a 360 degree rotation.
But the editorial isn’t regarding the sign, or camera, it’s the sticker that someone decided to post at the bottom that says “Tweak-Easy” on the sign.
It obviously doesn’t belong on the sign.
It’s vandalism.
Given that, someone put it there intentionally.
To mock police – maybe?
Certainly it wasn’t a child that did it given the height of the sign.
In the world we are in, it could easily be said there are a lot more things to worry about – like actual crime.
But this “sticker” shows clearly once again the “broken window” theory.
“In criminology, the broken windows theory states that visible signs of crime, antisocial behaviour and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crimes. The theory suggest that policing methods that target minor crimes such as vandalism, loitering, public drinking and fare evasion help to create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness.”
This sign on Chapel Street with the sticker posted is a prime example of how the broken window theory can, and has lead to further issues with this community.
If the police overlook something that is literally right before their eyes, what else is being overlooked?
Policing is a stressful, sometimes brutal job. They take abuse more than any other profession.
But as a society, we depend on them to keep us safe and uphold the law.
The person who posted that sticker, on that sign with a CCTV camera posted right above it which takes video 24-hours a day, seven days a week is laughing at police.
So far, after checking with police it appears nothing has been done about it.
It’s time Cobourg Police became a lot more proactive with policing.
That sticker reflects a lot more about policing in Cobourg than the words that are on it.
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
