A year ago, Cobourg Police launched their “Downtown action plan”. The plan was said to be “a constellation of proactive crime prevention initiatives and will formalize various harm reduction related programs”. It included visible Police officers patrolling downtown and nearby. And now, on May 1, 2024, Police announced the “Spring 2024 CPS Downtown Community Safety Action Plan, including the Dynamic Patrol initiative.” It’s described as “an evolution of the CPS Downtown Action Plan and in response to community concerns, Dynamic Patrol will be deployed in the downtown area and surrounding neighbourhoods starting today. It will focus on increasing police presence, increasing engagement opportunities, and enhancing bail compliance efforts in the Town of Cobourg.” The thing to note is the Dynamic Patrol initiative.
The announcement included a statement by Chief Paul VandeGraaf
“As we reintroduce Dynamic Patrol this spring, we’re committed to listening to our community to find more efficient ways to ensure people feel safe. We will be increasing our efforts within the boundaries of our role as police, focusing on bail enforcement, warrant execution, and probation condition compliance. Furthermore, we will be ensuring that the small percentage of people who have a disproportionate number of interactions with our Service are held accountable effectively and appropriately.” [File photo at right].
Further
Since the soft launch of dynamic patrol began on April 16th, officers have conducted foot patrols, arrested five individuals on outstanding warrants or bail violations, arrested one individual for assault with a weapon, and conducted six property checks. In addition, collaborative initiatives with partner agencies and Municipal Law Enforcement are underway.
And
Patrols will concentrate on areas within Cobourg that are identified through crime analytics, community partners, and resident feedback. Areas include but are not limited to, the downtown core, neighbourhoods and parks close to downtown, and areas adjacent to Lake Ontario, including Victoria Park.
Dynamic Patrol is an ongoing initiative intended to enhance police service delivery in the Town of Cobourg through proactive patrols, increased visibility, and community engagement efforts. Officers will be deployed as necessary in the community.
If you look at the available “Crime Plot” (see Resources), it’s clear that a large proportion of crime happens downtown.
Resources
- Cobourg Blog report – Police Activity Update – May 2023 – 13 May 2023
- Downtown Action Plan – Download pdf
- Cobourg police Crime Plot
- Cobourg Police News Page – includes full text of announcement.
Addendum
Below is an example of work by Police on the above plan as reported in a Press Release.
May 8. 9:00 am
Subject: Female arrested for outstanding warrants/drugs/weapons
Since May 1, 2024, the 2024 Downtown Action Plan comprises a series of proactive crime prevention measures alongside ongoing harm reduction programs. Enforcement of laws and regulations will be a critical focus, particularly in interactions requiring direct intervention due to specific actions or behaviors of individuals.
On Tuesday May 7, 2024, at 6:35 pm, police attended the area of Chapel and Division Street to check on the wellbeing of a person who appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. Police located the female and through police investigation it was revealed there were several outstanding arrest warrants. The female was advised she was under arrest for the outstanding warrants and attempted to flee from police. Officers were able to gain physical control, and as a result of search incident to arrest located a prohibited knife and a small quantity of fentanyl and methamphetamine on her person.
25-year-old Grace Edwards of Cobourg was charged with 2 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Resist Arrest, Fail to Comply Probation and Fail to Attend Court.
The accused was held for a show cause hearing and is to appear in court later today.
Update – 13 May 2024
Cobourg Police today announced their “Cart Reclaim Project” as part of their Downtown Action Plan.
The Initiative: The “Cart Reclaim Project” will see the collection and return of shopping carts that have been left on properties other than retail locations they belong to. This initiative not only helps to beautify our community but also prevents potential hazards these carts can cause when left unattended.
Community Involvement: We encourage all residents to participate by reporting any abandoned shopping carts they encounter. Your vigilance and cooperation are vital to the success of this project.
Report Abandoned Carts: If you spot an abandoned shopping cart, please call the Cobourg Police Service at 905-372-6821 or email Sgt. Janice MacDonald at [email protected] Your timely reporting will assist us in promptly addressing the issue.
Pick-Up Date: The scheduled pick-up date for the abandoned shopping carts is set to commence on 18th day of May 2024 at 08:00hrs. We ask property owners to ensure that any carts on their premises are ready for collection on this date.
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