A Cowichan Tribes member is concerned for the safety of residents in one neighbourhood on the reserve just south of Duncan after what he says was a particularly horrifying recent home invasion.
"Nothing seems to be being done about it by Cowichan Tribes," said the man who wished to remain anonymous for fear of his own personal safety.
The issues tend to be concentrated in or near the "problem" subdivision in the Mulaqw Road area, he said. The last incident, which involved suspects threatening a young boy with a machete in the middle of the night has prompted the Tribes member to speak out, he said.
"Apparently four natives with hoodies and their faces covered with bandanas invaded a home on the reserve while the people were sleeping at about three in the morning," said the caller. "Two young kids about 12 years old were sleeping in the living room and one of them woke up... and one [invader] had a machete and he told the kid not to say anything or he was going to cut him with the machete."
The anonymous caller said the thieves went on to steal the TV, the Xbox "and whatever else they could carry." North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP spokesman Sgt. Chris Bear said Mounties are actively investigating the incident, police understand to have occurred on July 18.
"RCMP located suspects in a van nearby trying to flee the area and were taken into custody. Items were located and returned to the owners," Bear said.
Four adult men have been charged with offences including: break and enter, disguise with intent and possession of stolen property. Meanwhile, the youngster's interaction with the invaders has left him terrified.
"He doesn't know if they're coming back. He figures that because he's seen them that they think he can identify him. He's literally terrified right now living in fear."
The anonymous caller said it is one of the more recent instances in an ongoing string of violent incidents. Bear confirmed RCMP are also investigating reports of three men using a weapon to assault one man on July 18 in the Mulaqw Road area They're getting little help
from the neighbourhood, however, in their quest to crack the case.
"The investigation thus far has revealed several witnesses, all whom are reluctant to speak with police on the matter," Bear explained. "The community, which includes Cowichan Tribes, is being solicited for information/assistance regarding the incident."
The anonymous caller is hoping the community will rally to help make the neighbourhood a safer place for everyone.
"This has been an ongoing problem," said the anonymous caller. "It's really bad.
There's just ongoing violence almost every night. We do have a justice coordinator there that works for Cowichan Tribes and we've asked repeatedly for them to do something, I'm really getting sick and fed up with nobody doing anything."
The Citizen's request for an interview has not been answered by the Cowichan Tribes justice department.
If anyone has information relating to these or other violent or unlawful occurrences, please contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment at 250-748-5522 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).