A week of extra police patrols in Waterloo Village ended with 26 arrests, including 14 drug-related, according to the Saint John Police Force.
Police said Operation Safe Streets ran from September 22 to 28. Officers were on foot, bike and in vehicles throughout the neighbourhood.
Authorities explained that the goal was to increase police presence, disrupt crime and help residents feel safer.
Along with the arrests, police said officers made 16 traffic stops and issued nine tickets. They also carried out 11 well-being checks and responded to three medical calls.
Saint John police said its Quick Reaction Team will continue patrols in Waterloo Village and the uptown business district.
The team’s focus will be on staying visible in the community and responding quickly to issues as they come up.
Police also thanked their Street Crime Integrated Enforcement Unit, which includes members of the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force, Justice and Public Safety and the RCMP.
They emphasized that Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods, Mobile Mental Health and the City of Saint John By-Law enforcement also supported the operation.
The combined effort was aimed at addressing crime while also supporting residents through well-being checks and medical calls.
