Overnight vandalism is raising concerns about safety in downtown Wallaceburg.
Garbage and other items were found strewn about in front of the library and in the lobby of a bank.
Mayor Darrin Canniff says it’s hoped a new video surveillance pilot project will help.
“We’re putting in some test cameras in downtown Chatham coming up shortly, if that works I fully expect Wallaceburg will e the next candidate to have them,” Canniff says. “It really gets down to deeper roots, that individual or individuals that did it, what issues do they have so as a society, we look and say we need to be dealing with whether it’s a mental situation or a drug situation, whatever it is. We have to get into that and treat them for it.”
However, Canniff says it’s not just about treating the symptoms of the problem, it’s finding the root of the issue and supporting those in need.
“We need to wrap services around them, just having a homeless shelter or giving them a room, that’s not going to help them,” Canniff explains. “It’s bringing them in, getting them housed, helping them with addiction or mental illness or whatever it is, helping them and wrapping around.”
Chatham-Kent Police are aware of the issue. An officer was at the scene this morning, helping to clean up the mess.
