Concern grows over ‘steady uptick’ of crime in New Brunswick community

N.B. RCMP has been investigating a rash of vehicle break-ins in Petitcodiac.

It’s an unsettling scene‑a handful of people walking the streets of Petitcodiac, N.B., early Tuesday morning looking for whatever they can find in vehicles.

People in the community have shared security camera footage and photos of cars being checked out on social media.

Father Chris Hayes of the Anglican Church said it’s making people nervous.

“It’s not the type of thing we’re used to seeing around here,” said Hayes.

Sgt. Guillaume Bélanger of the Southeast District RCMP said police are investigating a rash of recent car break-ins.

“We have had several reports actually. At least six or seven reports of cars that were been broken into,” said Bélanger.

Bélanger said one of the suspects from Tuesday morning’s activity has been arrested for a separate offence.

He was wanted in connection to a recent theft of a truck in the area.

Donald Bowser, an international law enforcement and security advisor who runs a community hub on Main Street, has seen a steady increase of criminal activity of late.

“So what we see is there’s been theft of vehicles. There has been a number of vehicles that have attempted to be broken into. Some of them had, basically they left their doors open and people were able to get in them and ransack them, but we’ve seen this steady uptick in crime over the last year and a half,” said Bowser.

Bowser said he believes the police are undermanned.

“There’s three officers who cover the entire area. It’s just not possible for the RCMP to police to the level where the community feels completely safe,” said Bowser.

Three Rivers Mayor Peter Saunders believes most of the vehicle thefts are because doors have been left open, but he’s concerned about people going on homeowner’s property, especially late at night and early in the morning.

“That’s not right,” said Saunders.

Saunders said he would love to see more Mounties in Petitcodiac.

“Every community wants more of RCMP presence. That’s a given,” said Saunders.

Three Rivers Bakery owner, Trycia Wade, grew up in the community and isn’t used to this.

“We didn’t lock our doors and we were free to do whatever. Now, you don’t know what to do. You lock up all the things that you’re working hard for, for your family, because you’re scared that it’s going to be taken from you,” said Wade.

Fathe Hayes is concerned about vigilante justice.

“When you hear an odd person here and there saying, ‘They better not come near my place,’ that’s a worry too,” said Hayes.

A community meeting will be held Monday at the Petitcodiac Hub and Saunders said council is working with the RCMP.

“Folks, you’ve got to lock your premises up,” said Saunders. “Lock them up, folks.”

Police are urging residents to lock their doors and not to take anything for granted.

“No one should be in your vehicle,” said Bélanger. “Lock the door and make sure all valuable items are put away and not visible from the outside.”

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.