SHELBURNE BUSINESSES ON LOOK OUT FOR SUSPICIOUS PURCHASES

Program Will Help Keep Crystal Meth Out Of Town

Store owners and employees have been enlisted to help Shelburne Police
prevent crystal meth from becoming a serious problem in the community.
In operation for nearly two months, the Meth Watch program appears to
be paying off, says Sgt. Mark Bennett.

Under the program, local business people are trained about the
commonly available and legally sold items used in the production of
crystal meth (methamphetamine), as well as suspicious behaviour to
watch for. Those purchases and suspicions can then be anonymously
reported to police, who investigate them further.

"They have a fundamental understanding and are able to be our eyes and
ears, our front line into that, and let us know if somebody is or
seems to be in the process of concocting some of this," explained Bennett.

"Because it's made with ease, a lot of the ingredients -- medicinal
and precursors -- are available from local stores, pharmacies and
hardware stores."

The program was launched after a spoon with meth residue was found in
the high school parking lot earlier this year. There has been no
evidence to suggest use is wide-spread in Shelburne, Bennett said,
suggesting that's exactly why the program was started.

"This is our way of keeping it from becoming a problem, by instituting
these programs," he said, noting several rural communities have
experienced problems with methamphetamine use in recent years. "We
want to stymie any flow into Shelburne before it becomes a problem. It
seems we've done that so far.

"It has huge, devastating effects on communities that have crystal
meth problems," he continued, pointing to substantial crime increases
and serious health concerns for users. "The addiction rate is such a
high percentile -- first-time users become addicted to it, the second
use is almost guaranteed. Once you're hooked, you're hooked."

After evidence of meth's presence in Shelburne was first discovered,
police organized a town hall forum to discuss the matter with
residents. They've also met with students and various community groups.

Bennett declined to comment on how many tips Shelburne police have
received through the Meth Watch program, for fear the release of such
information may deter future tips.

"If nothing else, it's a deterrent," he said of of the program, noting
stores involved have posted decals in the windows to indicate
participation. "Ultimately, when they encounter these Meth Watch
signs, they're going to move on to another area and know that they're
watched."

While the program exists in several communities across Canada,
Shelburne police are the only ones in Dufferin County using it.

"We're hoping the rest of the county jumps on with this," he said,
adding Shelburne Police plan to hold another community meeting on
crystal meth and marijuana production before the end of the year.

"We want to make sure everybody ... is informed and educated into the
dire consequences into this becoming an epidemic locally."