Pubdate: Tue, 27 Feb 2007
Source: Peterborough This Week (CN ON)
Copyright: 2007 mykawartha.com, Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact:  http://www.mykawartha.com/peterboroughNews
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1794
Author: Lindsey Cole
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

TOP COP SPEAKS OUT ON CITY DRUG PROBLEM

Drugs, weapons, and thefts are Peterborough's biggest criminal problems.

Crime was up 12 per cent in 2006, Peterborough police Chief Terry 
McLaren stated in a speech to the local Rotary Club at the Holiday Inn Monday.

There are many other reasons for this increase, he adds, but perhaps 
the most startling fact is the movement of Toronto's criminals onto 
Peterborough's streets.

"As police across the province, we commended Toronto on their gang 
efforts, but it has put pressure on our communities, seizing more 
firearms (and) more drugs from transient criminals."

These criminals, Chief McLaren said, are bringing weapons and drugs 
to Peterborough.

Cannabis is still the number one choice amongst drug users, but 
cocaine and crack cocaine are also on the rise, he explained.

Last year alone there was a 112 per cent increase in crack cocaine 
seizures, he said.

While this is an alarming statistic, Chief McLaren warned this is the 
least of Peterborough's worries. If crystal meth comes to the 
community, the crime rate will only go up and the community will be in danger.

And the drug is not that far off, he adds, recalling the bust in 
Gooderham a couple of weeks ago.

"One thing police are terrified about is if crystal meth reaches our 
community. However, we are doing the best with integrated policing so 
that we can...get rid of this."

So far crystal meth has stayed out of Peterborough, and police 
haven't made any arrests, a fact which Chief McLaren said he hopes 
remains the same.

While drugs were the main topic throughout his speech he also added 
the rise in criminal activity could also be attributed to repeat 
arrests. There were over 355 bail violations last year because people 
simply are not obeying the law.

"We blatantly saw people who were arrested being released and not 
following the rules. It is a total disrespect for the law."

Through strong policing and special fulltime units, police have been 
able to apprehend these repeat offenders and make Peterborough's 
downtown core safe.

"I am pleased to say our downtown area is very safe."

Chief McLaren addressed two other issues during the meeting, which 
included hiring new officers and mandatory retirement, and the move 
into the 2007 Police Services Board's business plan.

While both topics interested the audience, the main concern was local 
crime and what community members and police can do to make 
Peterborough a safer place.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman