Throughout the month of May, the Greater Sudbury Police Service in collaboration with the City of Greater Sudbury (CGS) and Sudbury Housing conducted a community engagement and enforcement initiative at 720 Bruce Avenue proactively and reactively addressing community concerns regarding criminal activity and social disorder.

Over the four-week period, officers met with tenants and CGS Municipal Law-enforcement Officers (MLEO) to strengthen partnerships and increase awareness of long-term, sustainable Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) best-practices. Problem-oriented Policing, a research-driven and data-proven approach to the reduction of crime and social disorder relies heavily on community collaboration with social services agencies and CPTED as an effective way to address the perception of public safety and the visibility of crime. The majority of residents participated in information sessions and provided feedback expressing their commitment to improving public perception and working collaboratively with police to address areas and individuals that pose an elevated risk. The overall goal was to empower community members and community partners to create effective and efficient change to enhance the safety and security of those residing and working at 720 Bruce Avenue.

During the month, uniform and plain clothes officers conducted both overt and covert activities. Overt activities are meant to deter drug trafficking and social disorder through a visible police presence. Officers enforced federal, provincial and municipal statutes including the Trespass to Property Act and the Liquor Licence Act to remove individuals who were present to engage in criminal activities. Covert activities focus on drug traffickers and dealers. These investigations are typically multi-jurisdictional and involve the use of surveillance and other investigative techniques. Through these covert activities, detectives gathered information that led to the traffic stop on May 19, 2023, involving the vehicle used in the Overtime Sports Bar fatal shooting and the seizure of $205,680 in illicit drugs, over $9,000 in cash and a firearm.

As a result of the enforcement conducted by uniform officers and plain-clothes detectives, 15 people were arrested on outstanding arrest warrants and an additional 11 people were arrested on 57 new charges. Officers seized over $33,000 in illicit drugs, located two missing persons and issued 14 Trespass to Property Act notices.  

Based on this data-driven and effective approach, we look forward to our continued work with our community partners in addressing the perception of public safety and criminal activities in our neighbourhoods. Officers will continue to conduct regular focused patrols, meet with staff and tenants, provide guidance and support through education and awareness and participate in community engagement initiatives at 720 Bruce Avenue. We are committed to working collaboratively with our community partners including the City of Greater Sudbury, Sudbury Housing and the tenants’ association to achieve sustainable and long-term improvements. We look forward to our continued partnership with the collective goal of fostering a safe space to live, work and play.   

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