Pubdate: Tue, 26 Aug 2008
Source: Lloydminster Source (CN SN)
Copyright: 2008 Lloydminster Source
Contact:  http://www.lloydminstersource.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4856
Author: Colin Budd

DRUG CRIME DOWN

It's been a quiet time in the city over the summer when it comes to crime, 
relatively speaking.  But they are guessing it's not likely to last.

Sgt. Ken Marchand says a street project set up in June of 2007 that hit 
some major players in the city and saw a drastic reduction over the 
summer.  With the same done this year, it netted similar results in July 
and August.  Now police are bracing themselves for what could be a busy fall.

"If history repeats itself, we suspect the lull won't last," Marchand said.

A number of crime statistics are well down in the city compared to 2007. 
The total number of drug offences is down, close to 50 per cent with 66, 
compared to 121 a year ago.

"Our targets were identified players in the drug scene and we're thinking 
that might have put a lull on things, but we'll enjoy the lull, but it 
won't last," said Marchand.

The drug scene is a never ending battle for police in this city, 
considering the demographics of the population said Marchand.  It's as 
simple as supply and demand.

"We're a young community, we're an affluent community and substance abuse 
is definitely on the radar here," said Marchand.  "We can attack the 
supply, but as long as there is demand there's going to be drugs in the 
community."

The summer comes after an unusually busy first half of 2008, which saw more 
than its fair share of armed robberies, vehicle thefts and arsons. Many of 
the perpetrators have been caught and for the time being are either behind 
or bars or under strict conditions.

"So we're thinking we've got the main players and we've dealt with them for 
the time being," said Marchand.

The statistic that has gone up this year is the amount of property offences 
committed.  In 2008, 1,366 have taken place, up 61 percent. Something 
Marchand attributes to the aforementioned break and enters and vehicle thefts
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D