Richmond RCMP has joined forces with the business community in a bid to tackle crime in the city's downtown core.
In conjunction with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the RCMP this week launched the Downtown Richmond Crime Reduction Initiative.
A working group was formed with representatives from the RCMP, Transit Police, the chamber, River Rock Casino, Richmond Centre and Lansdowne Centre.
The group's inaugural meeting was held in October, which coincided with a number of serious crimes along the No. 3 Road corridor.
As a result, Project Link was developed, which involves directed daytime foot patrols in association with the Transit Police.
"Reducing crime and improving quality of life are two priorities that Richmond RCMP has always focused on," said Cpl. Sherrdean Turley, media relations officer for Richmond RCMP.
"As a police agency, we are continually looking for ways to provide better service to our community and we believe this initiative does just that."
Knowing that strategic efforts to prevent and reduce crime require private-sector involvement, the working group was established to improve relationships and communication between the business com-munity, the police and other clients.
"As part of our mandate to improve the flow and exchange of information, the working group will identify crime and safety concerns and recommend different methods of eliminating these issues," added RCMP Cpl. Kevin Krygier, working group chair.
The directed patrols began Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in and around key transportation hubs and businesses and will be implemented throughout all four general duty watches.
Officers will be primarily on foot and will use the Canada Line as a secondary means of transport. Police vehicles will only be used where an immediate or urgent response is required.
The working group will meet once a month to evaluate progress made and to identify additional issues that need to be addressed.
