Pubdate: Fri, 02 Mar 2007
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Doug Ward, Vancouver Sun

SOCIAL SERVICES NEEDED TO STOP CRIME, MAYOR SAYS

SURREY - Access to social services -- not jail time -- is what's 
needed to stop crime in Surrey because most criminals there are drug 
addicts, says Mayor Dianne Watts.

Speaking to the Surrey Board of Trade on Thursday, Watts pitched her 
new crime reduction strategy, saying that the old approach hasn't worked.

"The criminal justice system," said Watts, "is not the place for the 
homeless, sex trade workers, chronic runaways or drug addicts."

Research shows that incarceration is not a deterrent to an offender 
with a drug habit, said Watts, as she delivered her annual 
state-of-the-city address.

"The addiction overpowers the consequences," said Watts. "They can be 
thrown in jail for 10 years and when they come out, if not dealt 
with, they will continue to reoffend."

Watts said crime has decreased in Surrey with auto theft down by 38 
per cent last year and break-and-enters in the commercial area of 
Whalley down 45 per cent.

Watts said there is enough money in the system to fund her approach, 
but what's missing is co-ordination among various police, health care 
and social service agencies.
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