Homeowners urged to report suspicious activity in wake of recent gun violence

Events of the last few weeks have shown that even the quietest of Prince George neighbourhoods is not immune to drug-related gunplay, but there is a way homeowners can help RCMP nip what's become an emerging - and dangerous - problem in the bud.

If you see something suspicious let the police know. And among the telltale signs that a neighbour might be dealing out of a home is an "extraordinary amount of coming and going," said Linda Parker, who coordinates the Prince George RCMP's community policing program. "That's a usually a tip off."

"Unless your neighbour is having a season gathering of some kind, it's not typical for a resident to have ongoing traffic," Parker said. "People coming and going, short-term stays, (and all hours of the day.)"

On top of that, an "excessive amount" of surveillance around a home can also be a sign, although Parker cautioned that's not always an indicator in and of itself.

All three of the incidents this month occurred on properties where there were renters, although Parker was reluctant to say that can be a common denominator. Criminals have been found living in the very best of homes, she noted.

Those who see something suspicious are encouraged to call into the detachment's non-emergency line, 250-561-3300.

Those worried about retaliation from the suspect can provide their tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES (274637) using the keyword "pgtips."

And they're urged to gather details, "without putting oneself in harm's way."

Parker emphasized thorough descriptions of the vehicles passing through - the licence plate number, the colour, the make and model.

As for the suspects themselves, she stressed distinguishing features like tattoos and scars.

"Clothing may not be overly helpful because that can be removed, but footwear is not necessarily easily removed, if that makes sense," Parker said. "Or did the suspect have glasses, any facial hair, colour of hair?

"The more detail that we're able to provide the police with, the better able they are to identify a vehicle or an individual tied to a crime or tied to some suspicious activity."

Although it may not appear that police are taking immediate action, don't get frustrated. Every little bit of information helps build case that can be taken to court.

"Sometimes, just saying that a particular person is dealing drugs here, that's not enough. We need evidence to support that," Prince George RCMP Cpl. Craig Douglass said. "That's where combined bits of information comes into play."

As for those worried they're being a bother by contacting police, Douglass said that's not the case.

"If they have information or see something they think is suspicious, let us determine whether or not it's suspicious...so we encourage you to phone police," Douglass said.

One man remains in custody in relation to a gunfight that broke out June 10 in a 700-block Freeman St. home in which a stray bullet went through a neighbour's window and police continue to investigate the June 15 murder of a 30-year-old local man at a 3600-block Forest Ave. home and a shots fired incident Wednesday at a 3600-block Gould Cres. home, just a block away.