A chosen tent encampment beneath the Macdonald Bridge in Halifax is elevating security considerations for individuals who work or reside close by after police found firearms and stolen property on the website.
One resident of a shelter named Sarah incessantly passes the world, and stated what she sees and hears occurring on the encampment makes her really feel unsafe.
“I might by no means go down there. I’ve been there and it’s scary,” she stated.
On Wednesday police had been referred to as to the world as a part of an investigation into stolen bikes and elements. Nonetheless, as soon as they arrived, in addition they found drug paraphernalia, seven units of energy instruments, firearms and different weapons together with a spear and hatchet.
“Whereas on scene our officers did find a number of firearms, stolen property, and several other bicycles and e-scooters,” stated Cst. Martin Cromwell, Halifax Regional Municipality’s public info officer.
Residing in a shelter herself, Sarah stated she understands the difficulties that comes with dwelling tough, nevertheless, she says the police’s findings show it’s unsafe.
“I might by no means go down there even within the day. The encampments aren’t protected, however on the identical time they want some place to go within the winter,” she stated.
Regardless of some considerations from folks within the space, town maintains there’s no want for safety at this encampment website or others.
“The system is that if someone has a priority, let someone know. Attain out after which the suitable of us can take the best actions to response to the priority,” stated Max Chauvin, Halifax Regional Municipality’s director of homelessness.
Chauvin stated lots of the encampment group is tight-knit, and infrequently hold an eye fixed out for one another. “If one thing had been to occur, they know to contact police or Halifax hearth.”
Police have since arrested two males who’re going through quite a few prices.
Whereas police stated they perceive folks’s considerations, it doesn’t plan to conduct common tent checks to seek for medication or weapons. “Every encampment group is a group and if we have now cause to go there [and] if we’re supplied info, we’ll go there and do an investigation,” stated Cromwell.
