Pubdate: Fri, 18 Nov 2005
Source: Morden Times (CN MB)
Copyright: 2005 Morden Times
Contact:  http://www.mordentimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3730
Author: Lorne Stelmach

OFFICER WARNS OF ESCALATING CRIME

Organized crime groups are making inroads into our rural communities,
and a local RCMP officer is telling residents they have a
responsibility to help do something about it.

Organized crime groups are making inroads into our rural communities, and a
local RCMP officer is telling residents they have a responsibility to help
do something about it.

Incidents like large scale thefts from farms as well as increased drug
trafficking tells Cst. Toni Zoledowski that the types of crimes and
criminals operating in this region are escalating and changing.

"If we don't work together to stop this problem, the problem will not
go away," the Manitou-based member of the Pembina Valley RCMP warned
in a letter to the Times last week.

Zoledowski cited the example of increasing larger scale thefts from
agricultural operations. They range from the theft of chemical
fertilizers and farm equipment to crops and even livestock.

"The thefts have yielded losses in the hundreds of thousands of
dollars, which not only affect the individual producer who is trying
to make a living but also the communities, which lose their sense of
security," he suggested.

Zoledowski also noted concern about the trafficking of controlled
drugs and other substances because of the spiral effect of these kinds
of chemical addictions.

"These problems can include the loss of an individual's ability to
sustain employment, child neglect, prostitution and other illegal
activities, which may lead to robberies, residential thefts and home
invasions."

This downward spiral happens as people become "desperate to obtain
drugs, which he or she can no longer afford," said Zoledowski.

"Inevitably, the entire community suffers because of drug traffickers
peddling their contraband in our communities."

A frustration for police officers in their investigations then arises
often when they make enquiries in the community, said Zoledowski. Many
people will say they don't want to get involved or are afraid or
reluctant to talk to the police. He cited hearing such comments as
`everybody is saying we shouldn't talk about these guys to the police.'

He appealed to people to exercise what he termed their civil
responsibility.

"We all have to take ownership and responsibility for what happens in
our communities," said Zoledowski. "By reporting known illegal and
suspicious activities to police ... the criminal activity will not be
able to operate successfully within our communities.

"In the spirit of community, let's all work together and help our
neighbours to keep our communities safe and crime free," he concluded.
"A safe and crime free environment is everybody's responsibility."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin