Natural gas company issues warning to staff about violence in downtown Calgary | In response to an increase in violent crime, a major natural gas company company has issued a warning to its staff about where and when it is safe to stroll about downtown Calgary.
“Calgary has experienced a spike in violent crime incidents, including murder, drive-by shootings and altercations in the downtown area,‘‘ said a memo to staff of BP Canada Energy Co., which was obtained by CTV Calgary.
“Staff and visitors can confidently walk about the Calgary downtown area throughout business hours ... However, during the early-morning and late-evening hours, persons are well advised to avoid travelling alone.
“Outlying areas ... not operating during business hours should also be avoided.‘‘
A BP spokesman said the memo was limited to one department and the company still considers Calgary a safe place to work and travel to.
Calgary Tourism said it‘s not worried enough about crime to warn visitors away from any area of the city.
“Calgary is a city that offers a lot of variety to different tourists,‘‘ said spokeswoman Corinne Wilkinson. “There‘s people coming for different reasons, (who) want to see different things. We certainly don‘t want to steer people either to or from certain areas.‘‘
However, the local chamber of commerce and one local politician admitted an increase in downtown crime has been noticed.
Ald. Madeleine King said she‘s heard from smaller business owners who are concerned with the amount of drug-dealing downtown.
She said an increased police presence would help change the perception that the downtown has become dangerous.
“Calgary has experienced a spike in violent crime incidents, including murder, drive-by shootings and altercations in the downtown area,‘‘ said a memo to staff of BP Canada Energy Co., which was obtained by CTV Calgary.
“Staff and visitors can confidently walk about the Calgary downtown area throughout business hours ... However, during the early-morning and late-evening hours, persons are well advised to avoid travelling alone.
“Outlying areas ... not operating during business hours should also be avoided.‘‘
A BP spokesman said the memo was limited to one department and the company still considers Calgary a safe place to work and travel to.
Calgary Tourism said it‘s not worried enough about crime to warn visitors away from any area of the city.
“Calgary is a city that offers a lot of variety to different tourists,‘‘ said spokeswoman Corinne Wilkinson. “There‘s people coming for different reasons, (who) want to see different things. We certainly don‘t want to steer people either to or from certain areas.‘‘
However, the local chamber of commerce and one local politician admitted an increase in downtown crime has been noticed.
Ald. Madeleine King said she‘s heard from smaller business owners who are concerned with the amount of drug-dealing downtown.
She said an increased police presence would help change the perception that the downtown has become dangerous.
Via: CTV News
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