Cobourg Police to be more active in the downtown and in parks to enhance public safety

Cobourg Police, in response to community safety concerns in public parks are taking increased efforts to decrease open-air drug use and enhance safety. Starting Monday, officers will be more visible in the downtown core and in parks.

The department will launch the trespass authorization program for local businesses and possibly arrest individuals for drug use in public settings.

"We have prioritized a proactive and collaborative response, using an evidence-based approach to crime, calls for service, and community concerns, holding people accountable while providing support to vulnerable residents. However, the growing concern for visibility of public drug use and the associated risks, including accidental drug poisoning, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and property crime, has led to reports of residents feeling unsafe in parks and public spaces and an increase in calls for service in high impact areas,” explained Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf.

“Through the Safer Streets Cobourg program, we will enhance our presence, increase bail compliance efforts, and reintroduce a more assertive enforcement approach under the Trespass to Property Act and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to help address the public consumption of illegal substances where the safety and well-being of others are at risk. Safer Streets Cobourg is about ensuring people feel safe in our community."