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.