Decision next week, as 99 per cent support paying for nighttime patrols
A Chamber of Commerce survey indicates Osoyoos store owners overwhelmingly support hiring a private security firm to carry out regular nightly patrols of the downtown area.
The move comes following a rash of break-ins and vandalism in town.
Chamber Past President Randy Kassian says he is very happy with the amount of support he has received from business owners for the idea of hiring a security service to patrol the downtown core.
Last week, Kassian sent out the survey to all Chamber members, asking if they would be willing to pay a monthly fee to hire extra security to patrol the streets.
The Chamber has sent out numerous surveys in the past, on a wide range of issues. This survey has by far received the most response “ and of those who responded, 99 per cent were willing to pay something, he says.
He adds that businesses which are not members can also buy into the security patrol if they wish.
I'm excited. I'm confident we'll get the $2,500 per month needed, which will give us roughly 100 hours per week of patrols and which will hopefully reduce the incidents of theft and vandalism in the area.
A decision on hiring a security service for downtown merchants will be made next week.
