Just one day after Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries announced enhanced security at Winnipeg area Liquor Marts the province announced ‘Operation Safe Street’ to battle thefts from the retailer.
Working with Winnipeg Police Service, RCMP and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Security as well as other law enforcement representatives, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen says that ‘Operation Safe Streets’ is a table model that will bring stakeholders together.
“We have always worked closely with our law enforcement partners and other stakeholders, and now, Operation Safe Streets will build on this important work by bringing the right people around the table to continue this important dialogue,” Cullen said. “Operation Safe Streets will be another crime-fighting tool as part of our overarching Safer Streets, Safer Lives Action Plan, which takes a whole-of-government approach and recognizes that we can accomplish more when we work together.”
(Submitted / Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries)
The minister said that additional public safety initiatives will also be carried out including a new Crime Stoppers awareness campaign that will offer more money for drug tips. The sharing of criminal intelligence between the RCMP and various police agencies will be improved and more support will be given to tactical enforcement by Winnipeg Police.
“The rate and severity of these brazen thefts and robberies occurring in Winnipeg continues to be incredibly concerning because everyone should feel safe when they go to work,” said Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton.
Just over a week ago an armed robbery turned violent after one of the robbers attacked three Tyndall Park Liquor Mart employees sending one to hospital with head injuries.
The government says they will make it easier to seize and liquidate drug money as well as drug dealer’s assets by expanding the civil forfeiture process which will provide more funding to police agencies to support the enhanced enforcement efforts.
© News4.ca 2020
