While “Gate Night” has seen increasingly fewer reports of vandalism and mischief in recent years, “Operation Pumpkin” will be underway tonight to once again keep watch in town.
The annual operation, carried out by the Fort Frances OPP, Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau, Rainy Lake Amateur Radio Club, Rainy River District School Board, and North Air Taxi, will see police officers and volunteers patrolling the town for any trouble.
The Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau will be a drop-in centre for those participating in “Operation Pumpkin,” serving not only as a place to warm up, but to have a hot beverage and snacks, as well as go over their findings.
“Operation Pumpkin” volunteers will target offences like egg throwing, setting fires, soaping windows, toilet-papering trees, using shaving cream for mischief purposes, trespassing, and property destruction and theft.
The whole town will be patrolled, with “Operation Pumpkin” volunteers paying attention to schools, parks, cemeteries, downtown businesses, and private homes.
“We’re just saying ‘Be on the lookout.’ We wish everyone a Happy Hallowe’en on Oct. 31, but on ‘Gate Night,’ just be more wary and careful of people’s property,” said Debbie Bazylewski of the Volunteer Bureau.
Those who witness vandalism or mischief are asked to not interfere, but instead watch what happens and report it to the police at 1-888-310-1122 or *677 (on cell phone).
Give your name, location, and describe the act.
If the situation is a serious emergency, call 9-1-1.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
