Pubdate: Sat, 01 Feb 2003
Source: Intelligencer & Wheeling News-Register (WV)
Copyright: 2003 The Intelligencer & Wheeling News Register
Contact:  http://www.intellnews.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1633

TAKING A BITE OUT OF CRIME

With Wheeling Island made too hot for them, it was to be expected that 
those dealing in illegal drugs would shift their activities to elsewhere in 
the city.

With help from those living in the affected neighborhood, authorities can 
chase the slime out of their new lair, too. Members of the Island Community 
Association were commended by law enforcement officials last week, for 
helping in the fight against illegal drugs. Wheeling Island residents 
"deserve a lot of credit," commented Thomas Johnston, who is U.S. Attorney 
for the Northern District of West Virginia.

Indeed they do. Community assistance can make the difference between merely 
inconveniencing drug dealers and putting them out of business. People who 
live in affected neighborhoods can be invaluable as eyes and ears for 
authorities. That's what happened on Wheeling Island, leading up to the 
arrest of 31 people in December.

But, as Wheeling Police Officer Rob Marriner noted last week, it is 
difficult to stamp out the problem entirely. After December, "drugs have 
picked up in East Wheeling," he explained.

We doubt that will continue for long - because East Wheeling residents are 
as determined as their neighbors on the Island to take a bite out of crime. 
We encourage East Wheeling residents to help police do just that.Wherever 
It Is in Wheeling
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom