Corporal Doug Brannen of the Barrington RCMP.
Carla Allen photo
Help Wanted – police want to hear Halloween rumours
BY CARLA ALLEN
The Coast Guard
NovaNewsNow.com
A tactic to prevent trouble before it begins is paying off for the Barrington RCMP detachment. The public is responding to posters that request rumours of planned unlawful Halloween activity be reported.
Cpl. Doug Brannen says officers want to get people to tell them what they are hearing.
“It doesn’t have to be substantiated, it can be rumours,” he said.
He added that they have already investigated several rumours received through a school and gone to the people that were mentioned.
“We told them, ‘listen, you’re the subject of a rumour regarding Halloween night, we want you to know that we heard it and we’re not impressed’,” said Brannen.
“We’re hoping that if we can add some accountability to the situation then some of our problems will be alleviated automatically.”
There were close to 40 charges laid against Municipality of Barrington pranksters last Halloween. A large percentage ended up being convicted. Some are still in the process of going through the courts.
Brannen says he believes the detachment has established a good rapport with residents in the last year and is pleased with the assistance received from the public.
“We realize that our call volume is a little higher than other areas. But at this point we’re calling on the community to help keep this in check. This is not Detroit. This is not Hell Night.”