B.C. election: Parties on public safety [Video]

Just over one month before British Columbians head to the polls, public safety – and perceptions of public safety – appear to be issues that will dominate on the campaign trail.

Jeff Martin, owner of Dipt Clothing and Vancity Originals on Hornby Street says street disorder and random violence have left some customers afraid to shop downtown in recent years.

“When it’s eroding that customer base in the downtown core due to safety, then you know for small independent guys like me it gets tougher and tougher,” Martin told CTV News in his story on Wednesday.

That’s a message echoed by Downtown Van, the business association in the city’s core.

It’s calling on all parties in the upcoming provincial election to lay out comprehensive plans to combat violence, intimidation and general disorder.

None of B.C.’s three main political parties have released their full platforms yet – but the BC NDP …