Cobourg police announce enhanced plan to restore order in public spaces, address repeat offences, behaviours

 ‘We can be compassionate without being permissive’: Chief Chris Leather

Cobourg Police Service Chief Chris Leather discusses an enhanced and collaborative approach between the police service and the Town of Cobourg’s municipal bylaw enforcement team to restore order in public spaces and address repeat offences in Cobourg during a Tuesday presser. /Tim Burgess photo

By reporter Natalie Hamilton

Cobourg Police Service (CPS) announced on Tuesday, Aug. 25 it is enhancing efforts to manage repeat offences and restore order in Cobourg’s public spaces. 

During a press conference held at Venture13, CPS chief Chris Leather announced, in partnership with the Town of Cobourg’s municipal law enforcement team, “a more focused and co-ordinated approach to addressing repeat harm, persistent disorder, and behaviours that negatively impact the safety, accessibility and enjoyment of public spaces in our community.

“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to restoring order, improving community well-being, and ensuring that our parks, downtown, public spaces, community gathering places and other shared spaces remain safe and welcoming for everyone,” said Leather during the press conference.

Residents, businesses, visitors, families and vulnerable members of the community all have the right to safely access and enjoy these spaces – and CPS and municipal law enforcement are aligned in this commitment, he continued.

“We’re working from the same understanding of the issues, co-ordinating our efforts, and using the appropriate authorities and tools available to each of us,” the chief said. “Let me be clear about what the initiative is and what it is not. Police are not the solution to homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges or poverty.

“These are complex social and health issues that require health-care providers, mental health and addiction services, housing and social service agencies, community organizations and other partners.”

In a media release issued following the event, Leather stated the initiative is “focused on behaviour, not status. It is about addressing repeat harm, restoring order in public spaces, and ensuring repeated behaviours that cause disorder, victimization or other community impacts are met with a co-ordinated response that holds people accountable. We can be compassionate without being permissive.”

A recent operational assessment conducted by CPS found that in 2025 the top five prolific offenders were allegedly associated with 919 calls for service, representing nearly five per cent of all calls received by CPS. Those reported interactions required more than 815 hours of police resources and resulted in 42 arrests and 52 charges.

While the assessment focused on five individuals, it highlighted the broader impact of repeat demand and repeat harm, CPS stated.

“A relatively small number of individuals can have a disproportionate impact on the enjoyment of public spaces.”

One of the five individuals was reportedly associated with 287 calls for service. The report also showed that “unwanted person occurrences” was the predominant call type for four of the five people who were part of the assessment, the chief noted.

Police and municipal law enforcement have already initiated elements of the first phase of this multi-phased approach, CPS said, adding responses will depend on the circumstances, behaviour and law. They may include connections to services, municipal enforcement, trespass measures, investigations, arrests, or charges where warranted, noted officials.

Leather said there has been increased visibility through proactive patrols, property checks, bail compliance checks, and targeted enforcement initiatives. As a result, since July, those efforts have resulted in a reported 43 arrests and 11 charges or provincial offence notices under the Liquor Licence and Control Act.

“Police and municipal law enforcement are working together to identify recurring concerns and take focused action where it is needed most,” CPS said. “Police and municipal law enforcement officers will also engage with health, housing, addiction, mental health, social service and community partners to strengthen co-ordination and address underlying needs.”

CPS said community members play an important role in helping to identify concerns, address disorder, and keep public spaces safe and welcoming for everyone.

To report police-related concerns, suspicious activity, or non-emergency crime or incidents, officials suggested residents visit cobourgpoliceservice.com/online-reporting or call 905-372-6821.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- 8477 or via stopcrimehere.ca.

For emergency or crimes in-progress, residents should immediately call 911.

To report municipal bylaw concerns, including nuisance behaviours, officials said people should call 905-372-8380 or complete an online reporting form for non-emergencies at Cobourg.ca/report-it.