With “Gate Night” and Hallowe’en coming up this weekend, police officers and volunteers will be hitting the town streets for “Operation Pumpkin”–the annual patrol aimed at preventing vandalism.
Now in its seventh year, the program has worked well to curb mischievous acts in the past and police expect this year’s effort–being headed up by Sgt. Larry Indian–to be effective once again.
“The town’s definitely benefited from it in previous years, and this year we have the same lineup of volunteers helping to make it work again,” Fort Frances OPP Cst. Mark Boileau said.
Pitching in once again to help patrol around town will be the Rainy River District School Board, Union Gas, Videon, North Air Services, the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau, and OPP auxiliary.
There will be 15 units out in all.
The Rainy Lake Amateur Radio Club also will co-ordinate patrols and report calls with a set-up at the OPP detachment.
Cst. Boileau said “Operation Pumpkin” also was a good example of co-operation. “It really gives the public an opportunity to show initiative, to come together and curb vandalism for the community,” he noted.
“It’s well worth the effort for all parties involved,” he added.
The OPP also will have patrols out Hallowe’en night (Sunday) “to monitor the safety of local trick-or-treaters,” said Cst. Boileau.
He stressed if anyone witnesses vandalism or any other crime on “Gate Night,” or any other time, they should contact the OPP dispatch at 1-888-310-1122.
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