The owner of Taco El Habanero Food Truck says he’s considering relocating his downtown Lloydminster business after his wife was harassed while working at their 49 St. location.
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Aristides de Jesus Priego Martinez says the incident happened Monday morning, Aug. 10, when he and his wife arrived at the parklet to open for the day.
Martinez says they called police, who asked the group to move. But hours later, after he left his wife at the food truck, people returned to the area.
The food truck has operated in Lloydminster for nine years, with two seasons in the downtown core at the parklet on 49 St.
Martinez says he’s picked up knives, needles and other drug paraphernalia from the Parklet near his business. He’s also witnessed people having sex behind a bench across the street.
Lloydminster RCMP visited Martinez on Tuesday afternoon and foot patrols were heading down alleyways off 49 St. that day.
“They are sorry that they could not handle the situation,” Martinez said. “I think the intention is there but the resources are stretched.”
The RCMP was unable to attend on Monday.
Martinez wants the community to brainstorm solutions. He mentioned Citizens on Patrol as one option, and suggested residents might need to take a more active role in downtown safety.
“We as community we have to face it. We can no longer keep with the mindset of ‘mind your own business,'” he said.
If conditions don’t improve, Martinez says, the food truck will likely leave the Parklet.
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