Cranbrook Crime Up 14 Per Cent In 2001

Cranbrook's experiencing a boom, albeit a dubious one at
that.

It appears crime is on the upswing this year in the Key
City.

In total, Cranbrook's RCMP detachment handled 4,917 files in the first
six months of 2001.

"That is an increase of 592 files, or a 14 per cent increase from the
first six months in 2000," said Staff Sgt. Fred Barbour.

The files cover the complete range of incidents registered with the
department including assaults, break ins, thefts, drunk driving and
drug related crimes.

The most significant escalation in files related to home break-ins and
related property crimes.

"Property crimes continued to rise," Barbour said. "We showed a 26 per
cent increase over the same time period last year."

This is a trend that could continue as long as Cranbrook
grows.

"Cranbrook is getting busier," Barbour said. "Our transient population
has increased."

He said with increased construction in the immediate area,
particularly Fernie and Kimberley, there's a trickle down affect of
people moving to Cranbrook.

"Cranbrook is a popular destination for many people," Barbour said.
"But along with the positive spin-offs with a rise in population you
also get an increase in crime."

All it takes is a little common sense to minimize the risk of a break
in.

"People certainly have to be cognizant of their homes when they
leave," Barbour said.

Barbour said installing an alarm system or even proper locks on doors
and windows helps a great deal. When people are away the use of timers
also helps reduce the threat as well as informing the neighbours.
Something as simple as getting a friend or neighbour to pick up the
mail helps immensely.

"A lot of break-ins are crimes of opportunity," Barbour said. "If
there are two homes side by side and one is locked with an alarm and
the other is open, which one will (a thief) go to?"

There is also a correlation between the rise in property crimes and
Cranbrook's drug sub-culture.

"A lot of crime is generated as a result of drug use and the need for
money to obtain drugs," Barbour said. "That is one reason why we have
focused on the General Investigation Section or plains clothed officers."

The Cranbrook detachment now has a full compliment of plain clothes
officers who try and weed out the drug problem.

"Drug files doubled over the same period last year," Barbour said to
illustrate the point.