Whistleblowers hope to make Clean Streets more effective
Clean Streets Penticton is giving members another way to sound the alarm on unsavoury behaviour.
The group’s leadership is still frustrated by the amount of theft happening and the brazen nature of those committing the crimes, so they began distributing whistles as a means to call it out.
“This is just an opportunity for the general public to be like, hey look what that guy’s got in his pocket,” said co-founder Jason Reynen in an interview.
It’s an option for members to be proactive in public without taking the law into their own hands.
And not just for theft. Beyond shoplifting, examples of whistle-worthy behaviour include drugs being used or sold where prohibited, and dangerous or violent activities in public.
Reynen’s not suggesting the whistles will be the silver bullet to solve the city’s social issues, but that the campaign can help tilt the scales in favour of businesses and the working class. He especially hopes the campaign will help small businesses that don’t have the means to hire private security.
“It can attract attention to those people who are acting in an antisocial manner in our community, in a way that would be safe,” co-founder Shannon Stewart said. “More eyes on the street can help bring attention to people who are costing the city big money.”
The group used donations to purchase a supply of whistles shortly after the idea was pitched by a member of the Facebook group. Anybody interested in the campaign can pick one up for free at Reynen’s business -- PACE Auto at 2595 Skaha Lake Rd.
“Coulda used this Saturday,” said a woman who was at PACE on Monday to pick up a whistle. “There was a runner at Bulk Barn.”
Beyond drawing attention to potential crimes, Clean Streets also encourages the whistles to be used if somebody is found in distress.
“It’s a way to feel empowered so you’re not just a silent witness to these ongoing and increasing crimes that are happening all around us,” Stewart said.
Members are trusted to use their discretion to blow their whistles in a safe manner.
“Get yourself to safe space -- our No. 1 priority would be don’t put yourself at risk,” said Stewart.
“Even if it doesn’t prevent a theft in progress, it at least puts eyes on them -- prevents that person from wandering into the next business and doing it again,” Reynen said. “It’s about mitigating risk.”
Clean Streets is also trying to increase their visibility by distributing stickers of their logos for businesses, homes and car bumpers. Members are quick to post images of unwanted visitors to their Facebook group of 5,000. So when a potential burglar comes across their logo, “I want them to second-guess what they’re doing,” Stewart said.
“Their stock in trade is operating anonymously, 5,000 eyes and ears is a hell of a lot of attention.”