Three officers living in Nackawic, with another coming soon
Four RCMP officers joined West District RCMP Keswick and Nackawic Detachment commanding officer Sgt. André Lauzon in Nackawic-Millville council chambers on Sept. 3 as he updated the council on policing the rural community.
He explained that three of the accompanying officers already live in Nackawic, and one is moving to the area soon.
Lauzon added that members regularly work out of the Nackawic RCMP detachment station next to the town hall. The station was rarely used in recent years, with officers responding to Nackawic-Millville from other areas of the district.
Mayor Tim Fox welcomed the increased police presence.
“This is a big change from a year ago,” he said. “This is wonderful.”
Several council members also welcomed the greater police visibility throughout Nackawic-Millville.
“I’m hearing a lot of comments that we’re seeing more cars,” said Coun. Bob Simpson.
Coun. Colin Trail, who sits on the protective services committee and lives in Millville, said he hears similar sentiments throughout his community.
Fox noted Lauzon and the RCMP are delivering on commitments made at previous council presentations.
During a similar presentation on Feb. 5, Lauzon and West District Staff Sgt. Jeff Peters promised to increase police visibility in the rural community as the district adds staff.
Fox appreciated the officers’ response to the community’s concerns and committed to working with the force to improve public safety for everyone.
“It’s a two-way street,” he told Lauzon. “If you need anything from us, we want to support you in the community.”
Pointing to Trail as a protective services committee member, Fox said he and the committee would work with the RCMP to enhance communication.
Lauzon asked the mayor and CAO Kathryn Clark if the rural community website could share RCMP links to better inform the public.
He explained that while the RCMP posts advisories and information on its site, sharing the link on the Nackawic-Millville site could potentially reach more eyes.
Lauzon said the RCMP tries to educate the public about potential scams, such as those directed at homeowners. He said the scam artist would provide a quote and set a date for house repairs. They will ask for a deposit but never return to do the job.
He said scam artists also target seniors in several ways, including phone calls suggesting a grandchild or a close relative needs money immediately.
“We want to educate the public,” Lauzon said
Lauzon also agreed with Fox’s suggestion of an open house, where residents could ask questions and talk directly to RCMP members. He said the RCMP would happily attend if the town sets up such a meeting.
Clark said she would contact the Nackawic-Millville Wellness Committee to see if they would host such a meeting.
Lauzon said he didn’t come prepared with crime stats but would make them available as soon as possible.
He acknowledged mental-health calls are on the rise in the community, adding they responded to only a slight increase in break-an-enters.
Lauzon suggested that residents ensure that their property always looks occupied.
“Criminals will look for unattended houses,” he said.
The RCMP also reminded people never to leave their keys in the car, noting that insurance companies often refuse to cover the loss in such cases.
