A standing-room-only crowd filled the Robert McCausland Community Centre in Gooderham recently, as concerned citizens gathered to confront what they think is a growing wave of crime and theft in Highlands East.
Organizer, Todd Byers, of the newly-formed Highlands East Local Patrol (H.E.L.P.), said about 140 people attended, including speakers, MP Jamie Schmale, Haliburton Highlands OPP detachment commander Deb McClure and officer Roy Haddan, Highlands East deputy mayor, Cecil Ryall, and paralegal Krystle Pegg.
Byers said the meeting was, “born from rising frustration and concern among residents. H.E.L.P. was created to support community safety through increased vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement.”
He added, “the meeting served as both a call to action and a platform for discussion on the impact of repeat offenders and what many view as lenient bail and sentencing policies.”
Schmale talked about “Canada’s revolving door justice system. Unfortunately, local police continue to deal with a small number of people who are alleged to commit multiple crimes, many times even when released on bail. This has left many residents feeling vulnerable and increasingly frustrated.”
Schmale said Bill C75 and C5, “can be directly linked to the feeling of unease in our once quiet and peaceful cities, towns and hamlets. Bill C75 gives high priority to releasing repeat violent offenders, while C5 took away mandatory jail time for certain violent crimes.
“As a direct consequence of the government’s soft-on-crime ideology, the number of murders has increased by 43 per cent while gang-related homicides have increased by 108 per cent since the Liberals formed government in 2015,” he said.
Schmale said the Liberals need to “reverse course immediately, stop the madness and implement bail reform for repeat violent offenders.”
During the meeting, one attendee commented, “there’s a sense that our justice system is failing us. People committing multiple crimes are walking free, and our families and businesses are paying the price.”
Byers said, “despite the sobering subject matter, the mood in the room was one of determination. Local leaders expressed support for stronger measures to protect the community and praised the formation of H.E.L.P. as a proactive step forward.”
Byers thanked all who participated, especially the volunteers from The Gooderham Community Action Group, who brought the gathering together.
“This is about coming together to make sure Highlands East remains a safe place for families and businesses,” he said.
The Highlander reached out to OPP for statistics to back up claims of a growing wave of crime and theft in Highlands East but they had not responded to our request as of press time Aug. 13.
If you would like to know more about H. E.L.P., or would like to contribute to the discussion, they have a Facebook Group.
