— Nighttime patrols to continue —
(OSOYOOS TIMES — September 6, 2006) —
Organizers of the nighttime security patrol in downtown Osoyoos, which began in late-June, say the service has proven its worth and they want it to continue at least until Christmas.
Unity store owner Jamie Elder and Sears outlet owner Randy Kassian say the presence of a security officer this summer for five or six nights a week, into the wee hours, has virtually stopped the vandalism and theft that was plaguing the downtown core in the spring.
Elder says tourists and local people have praised the patrols. The security officer, Vern Henniger, does a driving patrol of the downtown core for four or five hours a night. He frequently stops in conspicuous spots, gets out of his car “ marked 'Osoyoos Business Watch Patrol' “ and chats with people to ensure everything is alright. He is an experienced security officer and carries a camera and a cell phone in case he has to contact storeowners.
Kassian, past president of the Osoyoos Chamber of Commerce, says he would like to see the patrols continue through the fall. He is prepared to contribute money to the cause and hopes other merchants will too.
Elder, who along with Kassian helped start the service after both had a number of expensive store windows broken this spring, says he is taking on administration of the project and will contact local merchants soon to ask for contributions to keep the security patrols going for the September-to-December period.
Elder and Regal Ridge representative Ryan Erickson each contributed $500 on September 4 to make up a shortfall in funding for Henniger's June 15-September 15 services. While merchant contributions paid for much of Henniger's work during the summer, Elder says the Chamber of Commerce had to pay for a shortfall in collections in the latter part of August.
Erickson says the Regal Ridge land development company, which is putting up a new building on Main Street, has already benefitted from the security patrols “ keeping vandalism to a minimum at the construction site.
Elder says in June about 25 downtown businesses were asked to contribute $100-$120 for the security patrols for the three-month period ending September 15.
While the Chamber of Commerce offered its 85th Street office as a collection point for the fees, it doesn't have the resources to administer the program, so Elder is now volunteering to take it on.
The project worked incredibly well, and the feedback from residents and tourists has been very positive, Elder says.
I want to see it continue. Vern is very dedicated and he has been working hard “ I don't think we could find anyone better for the job. We've had no broken windows or thefts at all this summer, and it's such a nice feeling coming to the store in the morning and not worrying, Elder adds.
He and Erickson note that if a lot of merchants get involved, the cost for the excellent security service is very inexpensive.
For $1 a day, the downtown core of Main Street can have guaranteed security. It's worth every penny, Elder says.
Kassian notes, Unfortunately, you can never have too much security.
