THUNDER BAY – Crimebeat – Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs is frustrated. Hobbs ran on a campaign to crack down on crime in the city, and with the rash of robberies at Mac’s Convenience Stores in recent days, is stating that the police and the police services board have to step up and make a difference.
Hobbs commented to NNL, “As far as crime reporting is concerned, it would probably alarm the public if they knew what happens in Thunder Bay on a day to day basis and that is why they don’t report all crimes to the media”.
Commenting on the use of social media as a tool to fight crime, Hobbs added, “Social media is a huge tool in the prevention and reduction of crime that is being utilized by Duluth for example”.
In Duluth the Chief of Police is a regular blogger, and on his “Chief’s Page” offers insight on issues for Duluth residents. In Thunder Bay the Chief of Police is far less engaged with the public online. In Duluth the Police Department are on Facebook, Twitter and on www.nixle.com which allows resident to sign up and receive telephone calls on crime issues in their neighbourhood. It is a positive social engagement.
Mac’s Convenience Stores have moved to engage the public directly on both Facebook and Twitter. Visit Mac’s Crime Busters.
The Mayor is likely reflecting frustration that many in the community are already expressing.
In Thunder Bay online and in other media, including The Giant CKTG Radio the voices of ordinary citizens concerned about the crime problem are being raised.
On Facebook on Mayor Hobbs’ page, one writer states, “I was just reading about the recent crime spree that occurred across TB….2 more Mac’s robberies, sexual assaults, drug/alcohol offenses and weapon offenses. Mayor Hobbs, WHAT and mostly WHEN are you gonna start cleaning up this town like you promised??? I understand that there are policies already in place and you can only do what they allow but it’s time to change some rules! I for one (and I know I’m gonna step on some toes here) am getting pretty sick and tired of hearing excuses for these people. They are criminals, period. DO SOMETHING!”
A smash and grab robbery at The Urban Boutique which led the security team at the shop to release images and a video online represents another step by concerned citizens in our city seeking solutions.
One can hope there is some preventive measures moved toward in Thunder Bay, the status quo isn’t making many in our city very happy.
Likely unless there is change, members of City Council are going to start finding their email and telephone voice mailboxes increasingly full.
James Murray