LOCAL CRIME DOWN IN ALL CATEGORIES

North Cowichan and Duncan saw downturns in all categories of crime
last year, with big reductions in break-and-enters and theft.

Break-and-enters in homes were down 25 per cent, with 139 incidents
from 182 in 2004. Businesses saw a 36 per cent reduction with 71
incidents from 112.

Theft from vehicles was down 35 per cent, with 357 cases from 524 in
2004. Unfortunately, auto thefts barely budged, with 116 stolen cars
in 2005 verses 120 the year before.

Assaults were only slightly down at two per cent, with 417 incidents
from 428. Insp. Linton Robinson, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP's
commanding officer, said assaults continue to be a problem into the
first quarter of 2006.

"Assaults are substantially up, especially with domestic assault,"
Robinson told North Cowichan council. "We are working toward a task
force to focus on domestic violence."

And 2006 is starting poorly for homeowners and businesses, with 77
break-and-enters from January to March verses 28 for the same period
in 2005.

Drug offence statistics have also doubled for 2006, mainly because
plain-clothes officers are targeting drug dealers in Duncan, Robinson
said.

"The numbers can be attributed to the street crew being mandated to
targeting drug offenders. This is paying off in the downtown core,"
Robinson said.

Robinson noted that despite media reports, acts of vandalism are down
this year, as they were last year, by about 11 per cent.