In a move to make patrons and staff of local restaurants, bars and nightclubs feel safer, Chief Shawn Devine of the North Bay Police Service (NBPS) is leading the initiative to make the display of clothing, patches or emblems that identify with organized crime a breach of the Trespass to Property Act.
Said Chief Devine, "Our collective goal is to make it clear that organized crime, gang activity and gang intimidation are not welcome here."
The initiative is a partnership with the local branch of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and participating local licenced establishments.
Bonnie Zufelt, owner of Partners Billiards & Bowling is enthusiastic about the initiative, and has hung the No Gangs notices at each entrance to her business. "We are in a position that we don't want the problems that come with gangs, especially with the bowling alley being a family-friendly area."
Asked if a gang presence had been an issue at Partners, Zufelt assured that it had not, but saw posting the signs as a chance "to stop something that hasn't started yet."
"When I was approached by the NBPS, I thought it was an absolutely great initiative, so kudos to them," said Zufelt.
Marie Lugli, Corporate Communications Coordinator for the NBPS, cautioned that the initiative is not the result of a growing gang problem, but rather a crime prevention measure. "Police services in other communities have tried this initiative, and it's been very helpful for their communities. Certainly, our Street Crime Unit has been hard at work trying to stop drug trafficking from taking place in our community."
Lugli also pointed out that North Bay's geographical situation makes it a crossroads for organized crime as they pass through town. The initiative is a way for local establishments to voluntarily adopt house rules regarding gang apparel.
No Gang Colours/No Gang Clothing signs complete with the NBPS logo have been distributed, and management of the participating establishments have been educated on what to look for in regards to gang activity. The NBPS has guaranteed that the Trespass Act will be enforced.
Lugli concluded by saying "it's a means of crime prevention, giving the message that gang activity is not welcome in our community."
