Pubdate: Fri, 16 Aug 2002
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Nadia Moharib, Calgary Sun
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

SMASH 'N' GRAB CONCERN

Police Say Rash Of Quick Thefts Linked To Cocaine

City police say culprits trying to feed drug addictions are behind an 
unusually high number of so-called smash and grabs at dozens of doctors' 
offices and other businesses.

And as cops struggle to make arrests, they urge people to turn in friends 
falling prey to such desperate measures or to lead them to help -- so 
Calgarians are not victims of their addictions.

"The link between drugs and the cost to the quality of life in our 
communities is absolutely clear," said Calgary police drug unit Staff Sgt. 
Roger Chaffin, adding people's drug addictions ultimately become society's 
problem.

"Drugs are not a victimless crime.

"When you hear about home invasions, (robberies) on the street or stabbings 
in nightclubs -- quite often the commonality is the pursuit of drugs.

"The cost to society is enormous."

Since June, more than 140 businesses in strip malls have been hit by what 
police believe to be culprits addicted to crack cocaine.

"The tactic is not new but it's a trend where the numbers are alarmingly 
high," said District 6 Sgt. Stu Morse, where six recent arrests have been 
made, clearing about 40 of the cases.

"Without a doubt, most of the people we arrest for commercial and 
residential break-and-enters are committing these crimes to support their 
addiction to crack cocaine or some other drug.

"In some cases, addicts need $1,000 a day to buy their drugs, and they'll 
do almost anything to feed their habit."

However, police are often one step behind in nabbing culprits.

Thieves can often be in and out before cops are notified, and it is tough 
for citizens to 100% protect themselves from being a target.

In recent cases, suspects have used rocks or other objects to smash in 
glass doors or windows to reveal caches.

"If it's worth something, it's stolen -- if it isn't tied down and can be 
converted into cash and exchanged for drugs," said Chaffin.

"These are the sorts of things that really strike home with the community.

"Call Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477) or take steps to get friends into 
treatment and help break the cycle of addiction."
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