The city's police chief says Sarnia, in general, is a safe community and he's very disappointed in the surge of violent crime to start the year.
Norm Hansen told Sue Storr on CHOK (103.9 FM, 1070 AM) Wednesday morning that they're cautioning the public to be vigilant but not to panic in the wake of multiple murders this month. Residents have been reminded to lock doors and windows and make sure outdoor lighting is working.
"Sometimes we're darned if we do and darned if we don't when we put media releases like that out," said Hansen. "We certainly put that out just to remind the public of being vigilant, but not suggesting that they're living in a horribly violent city or they're in immediate danger. That was a public caution message."
Four homicide investigations have been launched in three weeks, including two in the last four days that have not yet led to any arrests.
Chief Hansen said it's too early to say whether the deaths of a woman on Essex Street and a man on Devine Street could be related. He said police have to be careful not to taint investigations through public comment, and that social media speculation sensationalizes and inflames the situation.
"When we don't comment on something there's an investigative reason for it. We don't just try to keep our cards to our chests, we're not trying to keep secrets. We have to keep some things in the realm of the police investigation so it doesn't get out and taint the investigation," he said.
Chief Hansen said stress levels are up in the community as the pandemic drags on, and they have seen increases in certain crimes including domestic and family disputes and unwanted persons.
He urges residents, and even police officers and 9-1-1 dispatchers to reach out to agencies like the Canadian Mental Health Association for help if they're having trouble coping.
The chief said investigators are working hard on the cases and the maximum $2,000 crime stoppers reward for tips leading to convictions has been doubled to $4,000 to get more information coming in. The OPP and other municipal police departments in the region have offered to help Sarnia police with the investigations if they need it.
Mayor Mike Bradley, who is also chair of the police services board which meets Thursday, has told the police chief to make a request for additional funds and resources if they're required.
-With files from Sue Storr