A new agreement between the City of Cote Saint-Luc and the Montreal (Agglomeration) Police Department will serve as a strong deterrent against graffiti and other damages to City property and help cover costs of cleanup.

As the Councillor responsible for Public Safety my committee receives reports on criminality, mischief and complaints dealing with the Police.  Commander Sylvain Bissonnette is tasked with the responsibility of leading the local station (PDQ9) and collaborating with Cote Saint-Luc Public Security and volunteer Citizens on Patrol whenever possible. 

Recently, the Commander presented an opportunity to help reduce illegal acts of graffiti painting, sometimes committed by gangs and other times by random individuals.

The Police regularly obtain information while conducting police operations which may be relevant to assist in the prosecution of certain offences to municipal by-laws as well as to assist the City of Côte Saint-Luc to collect damages to municipal property.

By sharing certain information the City will be able to invoice offenders to recuperate the costs associated with the damages as well as to prosecute infractions to municipal by-laws such as the removal of graffiti and tags.

In many cases the parents of those tagging and spray-painting on private and City property have no knowledge of their children’s activity.  While almost impossible to prosecute or recuperate costs in the past this new agreement will change this.  With the prospect of receiving an invoice from the City it is hoped that youth will think twice before defacing public property.

Cote Saint-Luc prides itself in prioritising safety and security.  This new cooperation between Police and City Hall will be another step toward ensuring a peaceful and safe environment.

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