A local musician who was among the first to raise concerns about safety in the capital city’s downtown says an increased police presence should address an increase in criminal activity in the area.
Rowan Sherlock went public last year amid growing fears from performers leaving clubs late at night.
He suggested increased lighting and a larger police presence in the downtown to discourage criminal activity.
He says some improvements have been made in light of greater public discussion, but adds the level of panhandling is still “off the charts.”
Sherlock says panhandling itself isn’t the concern; rather, it’s the increasingly aggressive and intimidating nature of some, and the crime, that needs to be addressed.
“It’s not like it’s illegal for somebody to ask you for money. That’s not the issue. The issue is the level of it, and the level of aggression that’s associated with it.”
Sherlock believes more police presence will have an impact on break-ins, thefts and other petty crimes.
“The lack of police presence is noticeable,” says Sherlock, who notes that even police are frustrated with their own staffing levels.