The Cold Lake RCMP have seen positive results from increasing patrols of the downtown core. Stemming from an incident in early September, where a panhandler was removed from the streets of Cold Lake after numerous complaints, the RCMP have beefed up patrols which has resulted in less crime and complaints, explains Staff Sergeant Jeremie Landry.

“We’re finding [criminal activity] without the public having to call them in. We’re trying to be more visible in the higher risk areas of the downtown.”

One incident shows to the success of the program, on September 23rd, at approximately 2:30 pm, members of the Cold Lake RCMP, through their proactive patrols located a male who was passed out in a back alley in the downtown area of the City. The male was charged with being intoxicated in a public place.