Summerside Police Service are reminding the public to be careful of needles and sharps while in public spaces after receiving a call of about 15 to 20 needles located on Russel Street recently.
Earlier in September, a Russell Street Resident was out for a morning walk when they came across a handful of needles on the sidewalk and roadway. The path of sharps continued down the street.
They called the police and waited at the scene until they arrived to clean up the items.
They say they wanted to make sure they were taken away as kids frequent the area and play outside.
“Calls of this nature aren’t uncommon,” said Summerside Police Corporal Jason Blacquiere.
“We probably receive them about once a week and it could be about one sharp or multiple sharps found at a location.”
Blacquiere says it’s crucial people do not touch the item when it’s found.
“The best thing they can do is call the police. They should also have a conversation with their kids or young ones they may look after to make sure they know what to do if they come across one.”
He says there are needle exchange programs available at most pharmacies but that doesn’t mean the program is being used properly.
Earlier this year, shortly after Easter, a handful of needles were found in a park that hosted a kid’s Easter egg hunt the day prior.
FACTBOX:
Needle Exchange Program locations:
– Summerside: Harbourside Medical Centre from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
– Alberton: Western Hospital from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays
– Tignish: Tignish Medical Centre from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays
