Sitansisk heightens security amid 'uptick' in crime

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Sitansisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation in Fredericton put the community’s security gates back up over the weekend after what it’s calling an “uptick” in crime.

Sitansisk communication director David Bardwell said the measure was not planned in advance but was instead a response to a string of petty crimes that culminated in a vehicle fire believed to be started by “non-members in our community.”

Bardwell said the fire was no threat to the general public, but “sparked a desire by council to secure the community overnight.”

Everyone going through a security checkpoint will be asked for photo ID or a status card showing Sitansisk membership. Non-Sitansisk members can visit the residential areas as usual from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and after hours will be permitted on a discretionary basis by security personnel if accompanied by a member or resident.

He stressed there is no community wide curfew, but “security has increased its patrols at night for the time being.”

Chief Allan Polchies Jr. said the community is being “proactive to minimize crime and curb late night activity” before it becomes a problem.

Polchies said with warm weather there is always an “uptick” in crimes and the gates are meant to help “minimize risk” in the community.

The chief noted they are working with the city police to identify culprits and reinstalling the gated access in the evenings, from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, is the best way to “minimize risk in our community, while being proactive” and stressed “community safety is our highest priority.”

Polchies Jr., did not say how long the measures would remain in place.

Fredericton police spokesperson Sonya Gilks said the force has been made aware that nighttime security checkpoints were re-introduced on Sitansisk.

“As such, our patrols have been advised and our integrated community services section is working with investigators regarding community safety,” she said in an emailed response, adding police received various calls for service in the area from April 18-21.

“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. “No charges have been laid to date.”

The community declared a state of local emergency in August 2023 as a temporary response to drug-related crime.

The gates have been used a few times over the past few years, initially to track visitors coming and going during the COVID restrictions.

They don’t cover the band commercial enterprises, including the Two Nations One Stop, St. Mary’s Smoke Shop, and St. Mary’s Supermarket.

Bardwell said deliveries, taxis, and other such services will be signed in and out by security during the overnight hours and will require proof of delivery within the community.