Pubdate: Tue, 18 Jan 2005
Source: Drayton Valley Western Review (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Bowes Publishers Limited
Contact:  http://www.draytonvalleywesternreview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/980
Author: Graham Long
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CRIME RATE EDGES HIGHER

RCMP were kept busy in 2004 dealing with close to 6,000 complaints within 
the limits of Drayton Valley. The numbers reflect a slight increase over 2003.

Altogether Drayton Valley RCMP handled 5,942 complaints in 2004, up from 
5,716 in 2003. The number of people who enjoyed the dubious pleasure of a 
night in the cells also increased slightly, to 848 compared to 825 a year 
earlier.

Dividing the town into four quadrants with the intersection of 50 Street 
and 50 Avenue at the centre, the northwest quadrant had consistently higher 
rates of reported crime than the other three. The only exception was for 
vandalism, which was most common in the southwest quadrant.

The number of people charged with drug offences remained virtually the 
same. One hundred and thirty-seven people were charged in 2004, up from 136 
a year earlier.

"Marijuana is still the primary drug of choice in terms of our statistics," 
said Staff Sgt. Steve Harrington.

Marijuana use was closely followed by methamphetamine, with cocaine as the 
third most popular illegal drug.

"Those statistics can go up or down depending on which of our clientele is 
in jail at the time," said Harrington.

Vehicle thefts climbed significantly in 2004 and Harrington again appealed 
to drivers not to leave their vehicles running with the doors unlocked. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake