WEST VANCOUVER CLEARS OUT EASTSIDE THIEVES, ADDICTS

They were easy to spot, cruising the neighbourhood in the early morning.

Downtown Eastside drug addicts looking to pay for their habits by stealing
from West Vancouver residents are finding the area no longer profitable
because of a police crackdown on early-morning thefts.

West Vancouver police Sergeant Bob Fontaine said the rash of break-ins and
theft from unlocked cars has slowed since he arrest of 10 to 15 people
found breaking into cars or in possession of stolen property.

Fontaine said most came over to West Vancouver in stolen cars or by bicycle
and would wander the streets in the early morning hours, breaking into
unlocked cars for change and personal property such as sunglasses.

Fontaine attributes the police department's success in arresting people to
their diligence in checking people on the streets and following up phone
calls from residents who reported seeing people in alleys or on their property.

"It's unusual to find somebody wandering around the streets at five in the
morning in West Van, especially in the residential areas," Fontaine explained.

The majority of people arrested gave addresses from the Downtown Eastside
and said they are addicted to drugs, he added.

A handful have also been found in possession of crack cocaine or
methamphetamines when they are caught by police.

Some of those arrested have been repeat offenders, said Fontaine, adding
that one man has been arrested three times.

Fontaine said the crime wave has also subsided in the last while because
those arrested have had provisions put on their release saying they are not
to return to the area.

Fontaine also reminded the public to lock their cars and remove any valuables.