St. John's considers ramping up security on walking trails following string of random assaults

The City of St. John's is looking at boosting its security presence to include public walking trails following three separate assaults on city trails this summer.

St. John's Mayor Danny Breen said public safety has become a top concern for residents in the city's resident satisfaction surveys.

"It's probably leading in terms of issues that are being brought to us," Breen told CBC.

The city is working with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to develop safety plans in locations where the dynamics of the public space have changed.

"Safety and security, the issue has changed a lot in the last few years," Breen said.

For example, the city has hired a patrol of private security to service Bannerman Park and the downtown pedestrian mall. 

Breen said security measures have also been adjusted for large events like the Churchill Park Music Festival and the Royal St. John's Regatta.

Breen has been an advocate for increasing police foot patrols in the downtown area of St. John's. 

With recent reports of two women and one teenage girl getting assaulted by random men between June and July, Breen said the city is working with the RNC to see how they can keep public walking trails safe. 

The first assault took place on a walking trail in the city's east end on June 15. A girl was walking with her mother when she was approached by a man not known to her, robbed, and sexually assaulted. 

Less than a month later, the RNC reported a woman was physically injured on June 14, after a man she didn't know assaulted her on the Virginia River Trail near Churchill Avenue shortly after 9 a.m. N.T.

On July 23, another woman sustained physical injuries after a man she didn't know attacked her near the soccer field in Bowring Park around 11:30 a.m. N.T.

Breen said the city is facing new challenges with illicit drugs in recent years.

"The ... illegal drug problem in the city right now is significant and it's one that is not easily solved," he said. "We're working together to try to make the city safer so people can use the facilities and can move around the city in a safe manner."

In the meantime, Breen is advising residents to avoid walking alone and to walk with a charged cell phone. 

"Be aware of your surroundings, wherever you are in the city, and be alert, and if you see anything, no matter what it is, just call the RNC," he said. 

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