Sask. village appeals to province after spike in crime and vandalism
The mayor of Loon Lake is appealing to both provincial and federal government leaders for assistance in dealing with rising crime in the village, which has seen an increase in vandalism, theft, and property damage.
On Saturday, the community's historic church was destroyed in a suspected case of arson, and Mayor Brian Hirschfeld says his elderly neighbour has dealt with multiple break-ins in the course of a month.
"My neighbour, who's 75-years-old, had windows broken in his house and vehicle six times in a month. It's just not fair —we've lost about five to 10 thousand dollars from our town shop due to theft," Hirschfeld told CTV News on Thursday.
The northern community of Loon Lake has been dealing with a rash of crime and vandalism lately, according to its mayor. (Courtesy: Brian Hirschfeld)
Hirschfeld has been in contact with the provincial government and is discussing ways to increase police presence in the area.
Saskatchewan Party leader Scott Moe noted that the newly established Saskatchewan marshals could play a role in addressing the issue.
"The Saskatchewan marshals, when they're up and running, would be able to deploy into a community like Loon Lake, supporting our RCMP officers," said Moe.
Currently, Loon Lake is served by just 11 RCMP officers, covering both the village and surrounding rural area. Hirschfeld believes more officers are needed to address the increasing crime.
Hirschfeld also mentioned ongoing discussions with the executive of the Saskatchewan Marshall Service, with hopes of establishing a satellite office in Loon Lake.
The northern community of Loon Lake has been dealing with a rash of crime and vandalism lately, according to its mayor. (Courtesy: Brian Hirschfeld)
Meanwhile, the NDP has proposed a different approach, focusing being tough on addressing both crime and its root causes.
"We've been proposing for two years, ever since the Sask. Party came out with their plan for the Marshals Service, a plan to invest 20 million dollars in boots on the ground by 2026, at a time when rural crime and crime across the province has been rising," NDP leader Carla Beck said.
Until a solution is found, Hirschfeld says residents are living in fear, with many too scared to go for walks in their own community. The town hopes for a resolution soon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard found not guilty of sexual assault
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
Police arrest Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides
Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'
Following child's death in Ontario, here's what you need to know about rabies and bats
An Ontario child died last month after coming into contact with a rabid bat in their bedroom, which was the first known human rabies case in Canada since 2019.
A French judge in a shocking rape case allows the public to see some of the video evidence
A French judge in the trial of dozens of men accused of raping an unconscious woman whose now former husband had repeatedly drugged her so that he and others could assault her decided on Friday to allow the public to see some of the video recordings of the alleged rapes.
Former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters sentenced to 9 years for voting data scheme
A judge ripped into a Colorado county clerk for her crimes and lies before sentencing her Thursday to nine years behind bars for a data-breach scheme spawned from the rampant false claims about voting machine fraud in the 2020 presidential race.
NDP house leader laments 'agents of chaos' in precarious Parliament
NDP House leader Peter Julian says there's more his party wants to do in Parliament before the next election, but if the current dysfunction continues it will become a factor in how they vote on a confidence measure.
Youth pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of P.E.I. teen Tyson MacDonald
A teen charged with the murder of another teen on Prince Edward Island last year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.
Here's what the jury didn't hear in Jacob Hoggard's sexual assault trial
A northeastern Ontario jury has started deliberating in Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard's sexual assault trial, we can now tell you what they weren't allowed to hear.
2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building in Old Montreal early Friday morning, sources told Noovo Info.