Barrie residents demand action against youths terrorizing their neighbourhood
About 60 residents of the Prince William Way neighbourhood gathered at Barrie Police headquarters Tuesday evening for a public meeting over concerns about the ongoing chaos and disturbances caused by a small group of young people terrorizing the community.
According to residents, the situation that has been going on for a year recently escalated, prompting a special community meeting inside Barrie police headquarters to address the situation.
"We really feel unsafe inside our own house anymore. It is really bad," said Firuza Tosh.
According to Tosh, her family has been victimized on several occasions.
On one occasion, she says a group of six or seven youths showed up at her house and started kicking the front door and tried to break in with an axe.
"I think of course the sense of the room was frustration and fear," says Bryn Hamilton of Tuesday's public meeting. "I do think the meeting was productive in the sense that Barrie Police Services were able to clarify the work they have done and assistance that they have provided."
Several videos and pictures are posted on a neighbourhood group page on Facebook, with many residents demanding the police take action.
Barrie police confirmed there had been reports of assaults and trespassing.
Last week, police say two young offenders were charged and arrested for assault.
Hamilton said while the videos are alarming police did stress that these are isolated incidents.
"I think we have to gain some perspective here," Hamilton said. "Ward 10 by and large has the lowest crime rate across all the city so what we're dealing with here is really a local group of troubled youth that are showing real, significant distrubing and violent behaviour."
Hamilton said that there will be a continued police presence in the area and that meetings will be set up with the school board to get their involvement in the issue. A neighbourhood watch program has also been established as a result of Tuesday's meeting.
"There was some questions raised about the overall youth criminal justice system and what needs to be done from an advocacy standpoint, so bringing in a local MPP." says Hamilton. "Obviously that's a longer-term solution but I think right now we're really looking at all paths to explore."
With files from CTV's Dana Roberts.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.