City Council chambers were overflowing last night for a special meeting dealing with crime.
Uptown business owners said the problem has become critical over the past few months as customers are staying away because of safety concerns.
Port Alberni RCMP Inspector Brian Hunter said his officers are doing everything possible to target prolific offenders and cut the crime rate
Hunter said the city can’t spend their way out of the current crime problem, and it will take the efforts of the entire community to make Port Alberni a safer place.
More than a dozen people spoke to council at last night’s committee of the whole meeting, and thanked Hunter for the work his officers do, which was echoed by city council members.
Mayor Mike Ruttan said some ideas brought forward include the re-forming of the social planning council, and more money for bylaw enforcement.
He said more meetings will held on the issues, with some initial decisions to be discussed at the January 8th council meeting.
