Keystone Centre boosts security measures to combat crime

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This article was published 12/07/2022 (1281 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Security has been scaled up at the Keystone Centre after a rise in thefts and vandalism, according to the facility’s general manager.

The security expansion is a response to an increase in theft and vandalism this spring, said general manager Jeff Schumacher.

The Keystone Centre has seen thefts from both inside and outside the 540,000-square-foot venue in Brandon.

“Theft does not create a safe environment and is certainly not the way for us to go as far as our event groups have to be concerned with theft,” he said.

“We have had groups of teens come in … that are just roaming the building because it’s open, because we’re doing business. And they are coming in and stealing anything they can get their hands on.”

People have also tried to break into spaces within the building and have tried to camp overnight, he said.

There have also been issues with the recycling and clothing donation boxes on the property being vandalized or rummaged through.

Schumacher said he believes the rise in issues is tied to an increase in transiency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the Keystone Centre property is largely open to the public for walking and to use the green space, it is still private property.

Security is generally on alert in the spring and summer, when more people are out and about, but has been especially increased in 2022, he said. There currently isn’t a timeline for how long the extra security will be present.

While Schumacher said the extra measures have reduced issues at the property, some people on the grounds for legitimate reasons have been affected. Celest Payette told the Sun he was asked to leave by Keystone Centre security while sitting on a bench over the weekend.

“There’s a lot of people walking through there, I’m not sure what’s the big deal,” he said, adding he was told it was private property.

Payette said he routinely traverses the grounds on his daily walks through Brandon, but has never been asked to leave before the incident last weekend. Since then, he hasn’t been back.

Schumacher said he couldn’t speak to the specific incident with Payette when reached on Tuesday, but said people are still welcome to enjoy the space.

Keystone Centre administration has reiterated to the company providing security that some people use the grounds for a range of recreation, including exercising on the steps or around the grounds, sitting on benches or enjoying the green space, according to Schumacher.

“The people that are coming to use the spaces should feel more comfortable, hopefully … there are plenty of people that are using the property for the right reasons, and that’s what we want to encourage and provide that safe environment.

“If you’re sitting here on a bench enjoying your day, that is not a time for a security officer to come over and remove you from the property. We have actually addressed the situation because we do want people to feel comfortable coming here.”

Keystone Centre board chairperson Coun. Bruce Luebke (South Centre) directed the Sun to Schumacher when reached on Tuesday.

» dmay@brandonsun.com

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