Pubdate: Thu, 26 May 2005
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Sherri Zickefoose
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

DRUGS AND WHITE-COLLAR CRIME INCREASE

Calgary Still One Of Canada's 'Safest Cities'

There's more good news than bad in Calgary's latest crime statistics, but 
drugs and fraud are on the rise.

"We're still one of the safest cities in Canada," Calgary Police Service 
Chief Jack Beaton told the Calgary Police Commission Tuesday night.

Police released crime statistics for 2004 showing fraud and counterfeiting 
crimes have jumped by 50 per cent.

White-collar crime is up and that's a concern because criminals are 
becoming more sophisticated, said the chief. In the past five years, credit 
card offences have increased by 80 per cent.

Drug busts are also skyrocketing, mostly due to the effects of SAMIT -- the 
Southern Alberta Marijuana Investigative Team -- responsible for busting 
grow operations.

Last year, police seized $100 million worth of marijuana destined for the 
streets. Over the past five years, drug trafficking and possession charges 
have risen 52 per cent.

Cocaine related incidents have doubled since 2000.

Hate crimes increased by 11 per cent from 2003. Last year, there were 133 
hate or bias offences reported.

Calgary also boasts the second-lowest homicide rate for major Canadian 
cities. In 2004, there were 16 murders.

"We like to see a downward trend in our business," said Beaton.

"That's a pretty good accomplishment."

The city also reached a five-year low for sexual assaults in 2004.

Street and commercial robberies were also the lowest in five years.
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MAP posted-by: Beth