Barre City works to combat drug-related crimes in public spaces [Video]

In Barre City, the Mayor’s office, the Police Department and the locals are working together to make public spaces more enjoyable without the influence of drug-related crimes.The Barre City Police Department is switching its strategies around patrols to combat drug-related harassment in the city.In recent months, there has been an uptick in police calls related to loitering, drug exchanges or violent outbursts. “It’s sad to me when residents don’t feel safe doing that, when they don’t feel comfortable doing that. And as I said, it’s not about someone who maybe doesn’t look like you enjoying the park. It’s about someone who is engaging in illegal behavior that is going to stop,” said Mayor Thom Lauzon. Local business owners said that the activity extends past the local parks, where some have seen children harassed, physical disputes and even incapacitated individuals on the library and church stairs. “I just don’t know if …