Mount Stewart crime spree frustrates residents, RCMP

Residents in the Mount Stewart area are growing frustrated with a rash of crimes in the community that RCMP haven't been able to make much progress on.

RCMP say since the spring there have been 10 break and enters, three suspicious fires and the latest is the destruction of a blueberry grower's tractors and harvesters.

Bakery owner Bev Campbell says she was almost a victim.

"They tried to get into the bakery door, and it set the alarm off, so they fled, and when I got here, there was nobody here," she said.

There have been some tips from the public and there are so-called "persons of interest" says RCMP Sgt. Leanne Butler.

"All the investigations are still open and being followed up by different members. It is concerning to us because they are happening in one area," she said.

So far there have been no arrests or charges and Mount Stewart residents say it's starting to take a toll.

"It's getting uncomfortable," Campbell said. "There's a lot of sleepless nights. I've heard in the last couple days that there's been other people in the community that have put security systems in place."

Resident Ralph Dunn says it could drive people away from the community.

"There's a gentleman built a new house here, and he's thinking of selling it because of this," he said.

"I'm sure that's a lot of people, and I'm sure anyone thinking of buying in this area's going to think twice too."

Chair of Mount Stewart's community council, Maxine Doucette, says that is a big concern.

"We don't want it to tarnish the reputation of the community for people who want to open businesses or move into the community and things like that," she said. "It kind of puts a black cloud over the whole place."

RCMP say anyone who thinks they may know anything about the crimes should contact police.

"It is a small area and people often know things police don't know," Butler said. "They're there every day.They're talking to their neighbours, and we really need the help of the community in cases like this."

Mount Stewart's council will vote next week on whether to set up a neighbourhood watch.