CRIME RATE REMAINS STABLE IN KAMLOOPS

Statistics for 1999 show crime is stable in Kamloops, neither increasing or
decreasing.

Cpl. Al Soneff said the 1999 numbers show relatively little change from
1998.

...snip...

In some cases, stats can be downright deceiving, he said.

As an example, drug offences in 1999 showed a 43 per cent increase from
1998, from 300 cases to 453.

That kind of jump might lead some to the conclusion the drug trade in
Kamloops is increasing, Soneff said. The numbers are more a reflection of
increased enforcement -- not more dealers. In any given year, officers tap
only a small part of the drug trade. In 1999, police got more than they did
in 1998.

Same with liquor offences. There were 30 per cent more liquor files in 1999
than the year previous, but police made a concerted effort to tackle public
drinking this past summer, he said. The extra effort led to more cases.

The increased numbers are a positive indication -- not negative, he said.
When crime stats rise like they did with drugs and liquor, it means the
public will see less of those offences on the street.

"As a result of the increased enforcement, fewer complaints are coming in,"
said Soneff.