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." - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl