COMMUNITY CAN UNITE AND CURB METH EPIDEMIC

Addicts Steal Identities, Cars and Safety From Area's Streets

If you enjoyed a potluck or barbecue Tuesday night for National Night Out,
congratulations. You're part of a simple, no-cost movement to take back our
neighborhoods from criminals.

If you had other things going on, you still can get involved. Your help is
very much needed for the next phase of a local drive called No Meth -- Not
in My Neighborhood.

As task force members said at gatherings throughout Salem and Keizer last
night, methamphetamine abuse has reached epidemic proportions locally.
Addicts steal cars, stereos and even honest people's credit histories to
buy their next fix.

Buildings and land have been poisoned with the toxic makings for the stuff.
Families suffer, children are neglected and insurance rates soar.

Law-abiding people can help change that by getting to know their neighbors
- -- a truth celebrated each August during National Night Out. People who
know their neighbors naturally keep an eye on one another's houses. When
something seems amiss, they call the police.

Not everyone feels confident enough to recognize a possible drug house or
meth lab. That's where No Meth -- Not in My Neighborhood comes in.

More than 550 people attended the organization's community forum in March.
Among their top requests: practical information about how to help close
down meth labs and resources for drug-abuse prevention and treatment.

People who attended also asked for help in stopping identity theft -- the
crime of choice for addicts who want to avoid getting caught.

Just one case costs a victim $1,000 or more, plus dozens of hours to repair
his or her credit history. Businesses and banks suffer heavy losses as well.

It's great to hear that No Meth -- Not in My Neighborhood has enlisted
hundreds of volunteers. But thousands are needed to turn around the crisis
in Salem, Keizer and beyond.

Find out what part you can play in saving our corner of the world.

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HOW TO HELP

Contact Dick Withnell, co-chairman of No Meth -- Not in My Neighborhood,
through the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, (503) 581-1466.