Crime spree fears raised at Holden meeting

A packed community forum at the Holden Seniors’ Drop-In Centre was a testament to the concerns many in the community have over safety and security issues.

The Community Forum on Safety and Security held Sept. 8 focused on straightening out perceived misinformation floating in the village and surrounding area regarding certain key incidents that led up to the meeting.

Cpl. John Powell of the Tofield RCMP outlined a summation of recent events that he said resulted in false rumours going around the village about what had actually taken place.

On Aug. 1, he said a major assault occurred in the village which involved a youth attacking someone with a rock in a sock. The person injured “is alive and well,” said Powell, and was able to recall what happened. As a result, someone has been arrested and is in custody.

Another upsetting incident took place on Aug. 22. Rumours flew about a young girl being found without clothes in a dumpster. However, Powell says that the police “can’t ascertain if an offense actually happened,” after conducting police interviews.

“We are in town a lot more to follow up and show a police presence,” he said. However, he said there have been “a lot of other incidents told that we had no idea about,” such as tires being slashed and drunk and disorderly conduct on the part of some youth….

For more see the Sept. 15/15 Mercury