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More police cars for suburbs: committee

A city council committee wants the Winnipeg Police Service to explore the idea of ensuring cruiser cars patrol suburban neighbourhoods, even on busy weekends when high-priority calls draw police resources to the inner city.

In January, Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt and North Kildonan Coun. Jeff Browaty made a motion on the floor of council to ask the police to examine how they can improve their presence in outlying city neighbourhoods.

Right now, cruisers are assigned to specific areas but often get called to the inner city for calls involving life-threatening situations.

Wyatt believes this increases suburban propety crime, as criminals know when the police are not present.

His motion came before city council's protection and community services committee, which voted unanimously to ask the Winnipeg Police Service to prepare a report.

Deputy chief Doug Webster told the committee the police service is willing to examine the issues raised by Wyatt.

Appearing before the committee, Wyatt said if the city can find money for a police helicopter, it can find money for more cruiser cars.

Bartley.Kives@freepress.mb.ca

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