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Keep criminals in the cities, says Port Edward council

Port Edward council will be asking the provincial government why it feels moving criminals into the community is an acceptable practice.

Port Edward council will be asking the provincial government why it feels moving criminals into the community is an acceptable practice.

Councillor Knut Bjorndal raised the issue of crime in the community at the Nov. 26 meeting, citing "a rash of break-ins and thievery".

"My suspicion is it is being driven by more drug use," he said.

However, Mayor Dave MacDonald said he and others in the community have an idea of who is responsible. He said it can be traced back to criminals being sent to the North Coast from other jurisdictions.

"It is not right that they are kicking people out of other towns and saying 'you can't stay here, but you can stay in Port Edward' when there is minimal police presence here," he said.

"If you are going to do that, send them to the big cities where police can keep an eye on them. Don't send them to rural towns."

Port Edward will be making their concerns known to the province and said a letter may be sent right up to the attorney general to raise their concerns.