FEWER THINK CRIME UP IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, POL FINDS

OTTAWA - Canadian perceptions that crime is rising are out of whack
with reality, but far fewer people are thinking that way, says a poll
released today.

The portion of Canadians who perceive an increase in crime in their
communities in the last five years has plunged to 46% from 70% in a
1994 poll.

At both times, overall crime rates were declining -- a perception held
by only 12% of those polled by Ipsos Reid last week.

The Poll For CanWest News Service and Global News also found a
significant boost in public confidence in the judicial and penal
systems over the last decade and a high level of confidence retained
by local police and RCMP.

Six in 10 express confidence in the courts, up from five in 10 a
decade ago. Five in 10 are confident in the prison system, up from
four in 10.

Forty per cent are confident in the parole system, up from 25%.

The survey found 88% expressed confidence in their local police force
and 81% in the RCMP. The comparative figures a decade ago were similar
at 86% and 83%.

"Generally speaking, the crime rates in Canada are decreasing and the
data show that Canadians are less inclined to say that there are
increases in crime," said the pollster's commentary. "However,
revealing a gap between perception and reality, more Canadians still
believe crime levels in their communities are increasing (46% as
opposed to decreasing (12%) or staying the same (33%)."

Statistics Canada reported last July that the national crime rate had
fallen 5% in 2005, offsetting a 6%hike in 2003. While homicide,
attempted murder, serious assaults and robbery increased,
counterfeiting, break-ins, auto thefts and drug offences fell.