The Cobourg Police Service say they’re launching a new initiative aimed at improving public safety and addressing community concerns related to open drug use and trespassing in public spaces.
The Safer Streets Cobourg program officially begins Monday, June 16, and will see an increased police presence in downtown Cobourg, area parks and other high-traffic locations. Chief Paul VandeGraaf says the program is designed to strike a balance between support for vulnerable residents and stronger enforcement efforts under new legislation.
“Safer Streets Cobourg is about ensuring people feel safe in our community,” VandeGraaf said in a video statement. “We’re responding to the visibility of public drug use, risks of accidental poisoning, and concerns from residents who no longer feel safe in parks and public spaces.”
Watch the full video below featuring chair of the Cobourg Police Service Board, Adam Bureau and Chief of Police, Paul VandeGraaf.
The program will ramp up patrols, focus on bail compliance, and enforce laws under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the new Safer Municipalities Act, 2025. Officers will also target trespassing, with a new authority agent program available for local businesses.
Between November 2024 and May 2025, police responded to 1,272 calls in key areas-many involving trespassing, suspicious activity, or unwanted persons. An additional 1,527 proactive calls included property checks, foot patrols and mental health support calls through M-HEART.
VandeGraaf says they will continue to adapt the approach as community needs change. The program will be implemented with input from municipal partners, outreach groups and social service agencies.
More details are available at cobourgpoliceservice.com/safer-streets-cobourg.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)