A string of crime and gun violence across the city has prompted Ottawa's Mayor and Police Chief to call for a new community watch.
There has already been 12 shootings in the month of January, including two in Bells Corners along with a homicide.
Mayor Jim Watson says the recent spike in crime is due to drug related activity, with all the shootings so far being targeted around the drug network. Watson says the state can't do all the work alone and is calling on citizens to be vigilant of the people close to them, and report them if they notice anything suspicious.
In addition, Police Chief Charles Bordeleau says patrol officers will be taking on additional responsibilities. Those officers will be checking in on people released from jail. Bordeleau says repeat offenders are a reality in the world of crime.
College Ward Councillor Rick Chiarelli says establishing a community program in Bells Corners can help stop the string of crime persisting in the area.
Chiarelli says the city knows that neighbourhood watch groups are effective, as proven by the success of the group established in Morrison Gardens.
Chiarelli also says that with an established neighbourhood watch in the west end of Bells Corners, it will deter any further criminal activity from moving in.
Chiarelli agrees with Bordeleau that having extra officers check in on possible repeat offenders is a good first step, but says more will still need to be done.