– More info wanted on downtown crime issue –

(OSOYOOS TIMES — August 22, 2007 –

By Chad IngramrnOsoyoos Times

The fight for a downtown security program continues, but Council wants more information from the Chamber of Commerce before it agrees to make any kind of financial contribution to the effort.
Osoyoos Town Council last Monday, Aug. 13, denied the Chamber's request for $2,500 to provide a nighttime security guard for downtown until the end of September.
We need more statistical, rather than anecdotal information, said Mayor John Slater.
Initial concern over nighttime security in Osoyoos was raised last summer after a string of break-ins at downtown businesses. At the time, a few merchants banded together to hire a night watchman for the downtown core.
The initiative seemed to work, as merchants said the crimes desisted.
However, therein lies Council's qualm. The information it's received regarding downtown crime so far has been hearsay, anecdotal and circumstantial. It wants some numbers before it proceeds with the issue.
If Council were to grant the Chamber's request, Councillor Stu Wells made it clear that the responsibility for the operation would fall to the Chamber.
It's their (the Chamber's) baby, said Wells. They're the ones to do the tracking if we give it to them for $2,500.rnCouncillor Allan Carswell's main concern seemed to be with the taxpayers who would be funding such a project, but reaping no personal rewards from it.
What about a business located just outside the downtown core? What about someone in a residential area who would see no benefit? the councillor asked.
While Council was split (the vote was a 2-2 deadlock, with Councillor Ted Cronmiller absent) on the issue of whether to give the Chamber $2,500 for a short-term solution, councillors seemed to agree that if the Chamber can prove there is an ongoing problem with crime in the business district, it would look into a long-term solution.
I'm concerned we're being reactionary rather than proactive on this issue, said Slater, suggesting in the future maybe a study into downtown security would be necessary.
Because of the tie vote, Council has the right to readdress the issue in 30 days.