Pubdate: Wed, 10 Dec 2003 Source: Campbell River Mirror (CN BC) Copyright: 2003 Campbell River Mirror Contact: http://www.campbellrivermirror.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1380 Author: Grant Warkentin Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) DRUG CASES KEEP LOCAL MOUNTIES BUSY Cocaine and marijuana-related crime is keeping Campbell River police busy, according to RCMP statistics for this past summer. "Our statistical information clearly indicates that our drug investigators are extremely busy," said Insp. Larry Stright in his quarterly report to council. "We are continually receiving complaints from the public concerning neighbourhood drug houses. Even though our statistics indicate that our investigators are making a valiant effort to address these problems, many citizens' complaints remain in queue for lengthy periods of time due to a lack of available resources." Cocaine and marijuana dealers have been high on police hit lists - during this past summer, from July-September, police laid 128 per cent more charges for cocaine trafficking and 231 per cent more charges for marijuana trafficking than last year. Overall, reported drug offences increased by 70 per cent over last year. However, Stright said the statistics don't necessarily mean Campbell River's drug problem is getting worse. "The increase in statistics would more than likely represent an increase in enforcement rather than a statement of the drug problem in our community," he said. The sharp rise in residential break-and-enters is more concerning to police, Stright said. "Although we consider all break and enters important, the reason we are particularly concerned about residential break and enters is the increased potential for contact/violence between suspects and victims," said Stright. Statistics show there were 39 per cent more residential break and enters this summer than during the same time last year, making them one of the RCMP's biggest concerns, Stright said. On the other hand, business break-and-enters have decreased by 10 per cent. "Keeping our community and particularly our homes safe is our highest priority," he said. Stright was also concerned about the overall amount of property crime in Campbell River, which has increased by 16 per cent compared to last year. "It is evident that we continue to have a very active criminal element involved in property crimes," Stright said. Despite an increase in criminal activity in Campbell River, Stright said the city isn't doing too badly compared to the rest of B.C. "From reports that we are hearing, the overall crime rates in the province are on the increase with many communities experiencing significantly higher increases than Campbell River," he said. However, Stright added, the added workload is leaving officers with less time to solve their cases. "Our officers are spending a large portion of their time responding to the increase in calls for service as opposed to investigating crime," he said. RCMP are also concerned about increases in vehicle theft, theft from vehicles, shoplifting, willful damage, disturbing the peace and mental health-related calls. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl