The region’s Park Watch program is gearing up for a fresh tourist season, starting up again this May long weekend.
The group, run entirely by private citizens from around Sooke and Juan de Fuca area, aims to curb theft and crime that often skyrockets during peak tourist seasons.
The watch serves parks from Matheson Lake to Aylard Farm (East Sooke and Pike Road parking areas), Sooke Potholes, French Beach, China Beach and Botanical Beach in Port Renfrew.
Patrols start May long weekend and run through June every weekend. In July and August, the watch goes full-throttle into seven days a week coverage, right through the long weekend in September.
For more info on the park watch program, email parkwatch@shaw.ca.