LUZERNE COUNTY DA SAYS DRUGS FUEL AREA CRIMES

DURYEA -- Luzerne County District Attorney David Lupas told Duryea Crime
Watch members recently that drugs and alcohol are fueling most area crimes.

He addressed the group last Wednesday night as the latest in a series of
guest speakers to educate Crime Watch members about crime prevention.

Mr. Lupas listed drug use as the number one problem facing communities.

He said drug and alcohol statistics are not realistic in the county. While
many crimes such as burglary or theft are spurred on by drug use, the case
files don't reflect that information.

"You see elderly purse snatchings. You see convenient stores being robbed.
So much of what we see is drug related. It's the number one problem in our
community," he said.

Gerry Chickeletti, crime watcher organizer, sees the benefit of hosting
guest speakers like Mr. Lupas.

"Instead of just showing up for a meeting, we bring in a topic and we
discuss it," said Mr. Chickeletti said. "That's what they want to hear.
That is what they need to hear. They sit here and think: 'What are we
getting from this?'"

Duryea police recently arrested 23 youths in one week for underage
drinking. The youths were from Jenkins, Laflin and Pittston.

Mr. Lupas said he is amazed by the number of children, when asked, who say
they know someone using drugs or alcohol.

"Three quarters of the hands go up. Kids are starting at 13 and 14 years
old," he said.

Crime Watch members asked how to stop drug use. "Suppose there are good
parents and bad kids. Are there programs set up?" asked member Diane Pisga.

Mr. Lupas said there are county agencies to help parents as well as a new
Parent Network program begun this month in the county.

"You can be the best parent in the world and for whatever reason, the kids
go astray," he said. "The drug problem doesn't discriminate between low
income or high income. As long as there are people to buy drugs, there will
be dealers to sell it."

Members also cited parental neglect and a lack of constructive activities
for children as causing the drug problem.

"With so many people getting the message out there, why aren't kids buying
it?" Ms. Pisga asked. "I think kids at a certain age think they're invincible."

Mr. Lupas encouraged Crime Watch members to call his office for help.

"Being here tonight. Being proactive. You are the eyes and ears of the
community. Nobody knows your neighborhood -- your block -- like you do," he
said. "I want to compliment you for what you have done, for having an
active crime watch."