Meteghan RCMP ask for public's help after increase in arson, assault, property damage

Meteghan RCMP are asking the public's helpfollowing a rise in suspicious and criminal acts in the area.

Police say a fire Friday morning at a commercial structure in Saulniervilleis considered suspicious.

That fire follows an increase in reports of arson, assault and property damage in recent weeks.

RCMP spokesperson Const.Dominic Laflammesaid it is believed ongoing fisheries disputes are connected to the activities. When asked to elaborate, he said policecould not comment further as to why they believe there's a connection.

"There's people with information out there," Laflamme told reporters on Friday. "If people don't come forward it's very difficult sometimes to progress in the investigation."

Investigators believe a small number of people are involved in the incidents, but say they are affecting the broader community.

CBC News spoke to a number of people in the community who declined to comment about the situation.

'They feel intimidated'

"They're scared, they're concerned, they don't know where to turn right now," said West Nova MP Chris d'Entremont.

D'Entremont said the incidents have the hallmarks of organized crime. He said the activity has been going on for years, but it has worsened in the past few months.

"When you talk to individuals, they don't want to report things anymore," he said. "They feel intimidated by certain groups. There's lots of cash around. There's drugs around."

D'Entremont said RCMP coverage in rural areas like the Municipality of Clare, specifically overnight, needs to be improved. He saidmeetings between governments, fishing organizations and police need to continue.

Clare MLA Ronnie LeBlanc and Municipality of Clare Warden Yvon LeBlanc did not respond to requests for comment.