A Vita resident is trying to bring the Citizens on Patrol Program back to his municipality.

Ward 3 Councillor Jerry Lubiansky says the local branch of the program disbanded back in 2011, but due to a recent increase of crime in the past few months, he is hoping to bring it back.

As a first step, Lubiansky held a preliminary COPP meeting at the RM Office on Wednesday night to gauge interest. He says he was somewhat disappointed by the 12 person turnout.

“I hope to generate enough interest to get this program going, cause I know it will be a benefit,” comments Lubiansky. “It was a benefit before in the past and with the way things are going now, we need to have something.”

Lubiansky is referring to the growing frequency of petty thefts and break-ins within his municipality.

“We are far enough away from any RCMP detachment, that we just don’t get quite as much coverage,” stresses the Councillor, “and, like the brochures say, we need to be the eyes and the ears of our RCMP.”

Despite the low attendance of his meeting, Lubiansky plans on pushing forward and says he is already in conversation with the COPP coordinator to determine what needs to take place before officially reinstating the program.

Lubiansky believes there is enough interest in his RM to maintain an active Citizens on Patrol Program and hopes see it back in Stuartburn within the coming months.

“Try to help out as much as you can,” he urges his fellow residents, “a little bit of support goes a long way.”