Community Safety Order Issued

The Department of Justice is carrying out a community safety order today, Feb. 28, at 42 Douglas Ave., Berwick.

Department investigators will post notices on a trailer at this address following a Supreme Court of Nova Scotia decision to issue an eviction order.

The order follows an investigation conducted by the department's public safety investigation section and the RCMP concerning drug-related activities.

The order states that the trailer has to be removed from the lot by March 31. If the trailer is not removed, the occupants are to be evicted and the property secured for a 90-day period. A further order can then be requested, if required.

The order was issued under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act. This act improves community safety by targeting and, if necessary, shutting down residential and commercial buildings and land that are regularly used for illegal activities.

"This legislation provides citizens with an effective tool to take back neighbourhoods that are adversely affected by criminal activity such as illegal use of drugs, sale of alcohol, prostitution, illegal gaming and related offences," said Attorney General and Justice Minister Cecil Clarke. "The legislation allows citizens to make complaints regarding illegal activities regularly occurring on or near property in their neighbourhood and guarantees confidentiality, eliminating the fear of reprisal."

Fred Sanford, director of public safety investigations, said the judge's order was an important milestone. Since becoming operational in April 2007, 156 complaints have been investigated by the section, resulting in 38 evictions, primarily for drug related offences.

This is the first case that has required the section to get a court order for an eviction.

"The decision of the courts shows the legislation is effective in restoring community safety and sends a message that illegal activity which adversely affects the safety or security of communities and neighbourhoods will not be tolerated in this province," said Sanford.

Anyone wishing to make a complaint under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act can contact investigators at 1-877-357-2337.

FOR BROADCAST:

The Department of Justice is carrying out a community safety

order today (February 28th) at 42 Douglas Avenue in Berwick.

Department investigators will post notices on a trailer at

this address following a Supreme Court of Nova Scotia decision

to issue an eviction order.

The order was issued under the Safer Communities and

Neighbourhoods Act and follows an investigation by the department

and the RCMP concerning drug-related activities.

Justice Minister Cecil Clarke says the legislation provides

citizens with an effective tool to take back neighbourhoods that

are adversely affected by criminal activity.

Since last April, the department has investigated 163

complaints under the act resulting in 32 evictions, primarily for

drug related offences.