Housing Minister John Abbott says crime is impacting Newfoundland and Labrador Housing’s ability to fix up damaged units.

Abbott says they have roughly 250 units that are out of the mix for repairs at the moment, and it will take several years for about 50 of them to be ready for occupancy due to either the cost of the repairs or the need in the community.

Abbott says they are working on getting the others ready as quickly as possible, but crime is hindering progress.

He says there are units on Livingstone Street that are boarded up and are being repaired, but the work is being slowed by crime including break-ins.