Return of security checkpoints at Sitansisk First Nation in Fredericton after vehicle fire
Overnight entry to Sitansisk, also known as St. Mary's First Nation in Fredericton, is restricted to band members after issues with property crime, the council has announced.
The community had previously introduced checkpoints in August as a temporary response to drug-related crime, but reinstated those security gates, effective Saturday.
The move comes a vehicle fire in the community, Sitansisk spokesperson David Bardwell said by email.
Property crime is a growing issue, he said, and the fire was the most troubling case to date.
"[That] concerned both council and community members deeply, as it was by far the most dangerous act we've seen," Bardwell said.
"Had it not been not noticed, it could have spread fire to structures, and extreme heat from car fires can damage roadway infrastructure."
No timeline for lifting measure
Anyone trying to enter the community will now have to provide photo identification, with an address, from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, he said.
"These measures were reintroduced due to help counteract an increase in property crimes by individuals identified as non-members in the community upon analysis of community security camera footage," Bardwell said.
"We don't have a firm timeline on how long we will keep these in place, however we are co-operating with [the Fredericton Police Force] to identify and deter the culprits."
Spokesperson Sonya Gilks said the Fredericton Police Force had been made aware of the checkpoints and "patrols have been advised."
She said the force responded to "various calls for service" in the days leading up to the announcement, but would not specify the nature of those calls.
"While we are aware of what prompted the concerns, the matter remains under investigation and we can't disclose the nature of the calls received at this time," she said by email Monday.
No charges had been laid as of Monday afternoon, Gilks said.
Chief Allan Polchies said Sitansisk is working with New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization and continues to monitor the area with community cameras. (Ed Hunter/CBC )
Chief Allan Polchies Jr. was not available for an interview with CBC News on Monday.
"Community safety is our highest priority and we continue strive to serve our citizens for their best interest," Polchies said in an email.
Polchies said the First Nation is also working with the New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization and continues to monitor the area with community cameras.
Sitansisk declared a state of emergency in August when the security checkpoints were first introduced, but Bardwell said on Monday the community is not under that same declaration now.
Band members will have to provide photo identification with an address and their status card at the checkpoint.
"At a discretionary basis," Bardwell said, security will also allow people in when a member with proper identification vouches for them.
"Food delivery, taxis, and other business vehicles will be asked to sign in and sign out, but should otherwise be permitted into the community," he said.
Bardwell said community members witnessing a crime should contact police and community security, and note the time and location if it's safe to do so.
"We don't have any reason to believe there's a direct threat to public safety, but we do understand members want to rest easy knowing their possessions won't be damaged overnight," he said.
