Chatham-Kent politicians want action to be taken after the latest act of vandalism in Mitchell’s Bay.
“We can be polite about this or we can be very outspoken,” said Mayor Randy Hope, during Monday’s council meeting.
“I just hope the people who know who did this will report them. Action needs to be taken.”
Sometime late Saturday night or early Sunday morning, unknown suspects damaged 10 signs and one large wood carving along a nature trail in Mitchell’s Bay.
Damage is pegged at $1,500.
Chatham-Kent police are still investigating.
North Kent Coun. Leon Leclair brought up the incident during Monday’s meeting.
“Right now the morale is pretty tough in Mitchell’s Bay,” Leclair said, adding this is the second act of vandalism in the last year after some carved ducks were stolen from the welcome sign coming into town in October.
Leclair said the trail is taken care of by the Mitchell’s Bay Area Association and was constructed after Jean Marie Laprise donated his land a couple years ago.
“There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears in there, trying to make the community better. Morale is down. People are questioning ‘why do we do anything anymore?’ because of this vandalism. I think they will rebound quite nicely and we will move on to more events this summer.”
Mayor Hope said it not just an issue in Mitchell’s Bay.
“It’s any of our parks and recreational opportunities, anything we have in Chatham-Kent. That’s why we push community policing, that’s why we ask for neighbourhood watch programs. It’s about people paying attention. We are asking people that if they know who did this damage to come front and centre and call crime stoppers, put in a tip.”
Hope said the damage has to stop.
“I’m not going to say what the age category, or who they are, or where they are from, but the damage has to stop and we have to be mindful of the capital cost that have gone into our communities and the time and effort by individuals. If someone knows who caused this damage, rightful punishment needs to be properly administered.
Hope said he thinks the best medicine is preventive medicine, and the best solution is through community watch programs.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Kevin Burgess at kevinbu@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 extension #87232.
Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.
