Pubdate: Tue, 19 Jul 2005 Source: Lindsay Daily Post (CN ON) Copyright: 2005 Lindsay Daily Post Contact: http://www.thepost.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2333 Author: Jason Bain POLICE MAKE SOME INROADS City Of Kawartha Lakes Police Service's 2004 Report Released KAWARTHA LAKES - Police in Lindsay and the former Ops Township made inroads in communications, community service, Highway Traffic Act enforcement and the fight against illicit drugs in the calendar year of 2004, according to acting chief Don Thomas. The City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service's 2004 annual report was approved for release at the police services board meeting Monday. The report shows an 8.2 increase in total crimes for 2004 compared to the previous year. That is down from the 15.06 per cent rise in total crimes reported in 2003 over 2002. Insp. Thomas spoke with The Daily Post Monday about the statistics and what factors influence them. Some 4,528 instances of crime were reported and investigated in 2004, up from the 4,186 of 2003. These numbers do not reflect convictions. One of the largest statistical increases in 2004 from 2003 was in assaults, to 648 from 464 . Thomas largely blamed it on the fact the service polices the Central East Correctional Facility, which saw a "large" increase in inmates during the year. Some 83 instances of violence were reported at the super jail in 2004. There was one attempted murder in 2004 and zero in 2003. It stemmed from a parking-lot stabbing last July that, police said, was related to the sale of drugs. Another increase came in the number of break and enters, which jumped to 317 from 267. Thomas said break and enters come and go in rashes, as does motor vehicle thefts - an area where he said the police service is often "trading vehicles with Oshawa." Automobile thefts increased to 81 in 2004 from 58 the previous year. Instances involving narcotics also jumped to 143 last year from 99 in 2003, but again Thomas said 34 instances stem from the super jail. The service will place more emphasis on the battle against illegal drugs, according to the acting chief. "It's an area we will be concentrating on more and more," he said. "I think illicit drugs have an impact on all other stats," Thomas added, explaining how other crimes often stem from the sale of or perceived need to buy drugs. The police service dealt with fewer sexual assaults last year. There were 25 such instances compared to 35 in 2003. Sexual assault or allegations of sexual assault often involves someone known to the victim, often a child, Thomas said. He noted school programs and the work of other organizations are helping to teach people "how unacceptable it is." "Kids know it's wrong and enough to tell people about it," he said. The police service saw thefts over $5,000 halved in 2004, to 49 from 100 in 2003. However, thefts under $5,000 rose six per cent, to 909 from 857. Frauds increased to 217 from 187, which Thomas blamed much on an ongoing bank and police investigation into a local gas bar situation well publicized late last year. Criminal Code driving offences - including impaired driving and exceeding 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 mL of blood - dropped to 1,215 last year from 1,771 in 2003. "I hope that reflects society's view that impaired driving is unacceptable," Thomas said, praising the work of groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and the media. "I feel people are learning it is unacceptable and causing deaths," he said. According to Thomas, the service achieved major inroads in 2004 in upgrading the communications system to make it "more efficient" and "technologically advanced." Three additional full-time employees were hired, mainly because of the implementation of city-wide dispatch for Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service. Previously, the police service only provided fire communications for Lindsay and Ops, with private companies servicing the rest of the municipality. For the upgrade, mapping had to be updated and downloaded into the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system which uses geographic information systems to exactly locate addresses and dispatch officers and firefighters accordingly. Thomas also praised the work of community services officer Const. Tammy Brydon, who also co-ordinates Kawartha Haliburton Crime Stoppers. She said she is "not only in the school system," but partnering with many outside community organizations to put a friendly face on the police service, Thomas said. The 2004 report was the last public document and 17th prepared by former police Chief Randy Martin, who passed away last month. In the final sentence of his message, Martin wrote in a fitting testament, "I personally have and always will remain committed to municipal policing and the benefits it offers those within the community." The 2003 report came out last September. Thomas suggested to board members Monday that the report could be finished as early as March of each year. Board members agreed the annual report should be released to the public in a more timely manner. Other statistics 2003 2004 Variance Homicides 0 0 0% Abductions 4 7 75% Robberies 17 14 -17.6% Possession of stolen property 124 145 16.9% Offensive weapons 17 20 17.6% Other Criminal Code offenses 1,771 1,215 -31.4% - --- MAP posted-by: Derek