A nightly safety and security patrol program has been launched in the downtown core.
The initiative is led by the Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area, in partnership with Footprints Security.
Beginning Aug. 1, a security patrol will operate seven nights a week, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., helping protect downtown businesses and enhance after-hours safety.
The program, which is supported by the City of Duncan, was developed in direct response to concerns raised by local businesses in a recent survey.
Feedback from DDBIA members indicates that 56 per cent of them believe the reputation of downtown has declined; one in three have experienced broken windows or doors; and 40 per cent say their staff feel unequipped to handle growing safety concerns.
Thanks to the DDBIA’s work to coordinate and negotiate a collective service, members can access Footprints patrol coverage at a significantly reduced cost.
This cost-shared model allows participating businesses to receive direct benefits, including incident reporting and hazard response, while contributing to a broader safety net for the entire downtown.
“We know how much time, energy, and heart our members pour into their businesses,” said Thea Hitchcock, executive director of the DDBIA.
“Being part of Downtown Duncan means more than just keeping the doors open; it’s about showing up for your customers, supporting your team, and being a cornerstone of the downtown Duncan business community. This patrol is a shared investment in that vision.”
The patrol officer will make regular foot and mobile rounds, check doors and entries, move along loiterers, respond to minor hazards, and report suspicious activity.
Most importantly, their visible presence will send a clear message; Downtown Duncan takes safety seriously.
“By participating in the program, businesses aren’t just protecting their storefronts, they’re helping shape a downtown that is welcoming, resilient, and vibrant for everyone who lives, works, and visits here,” said Hitchcock.
