STUDY LINKS CRYSTAL METH USE TO CRIME

Crystal methamphetamine is causing the people who use it to commit
crimes, says a recently released study from the Crystal Meth Victoria
Society.

Data collected over the last three months showed that 48 per cent of
youth prisoners and 62 per cent of adult prisoners are crystal meth
users.

Fourteen per cent of those youths and 42 per cent of the adults
admitted committing crimes to support their addictions.

Sixteen per cent of the youths and 56 per cent of the adults committed
crimes while high on meth, the survey also found.

"The information gathered over a three-month period through the court
watch program and prisoner intake surveys shows that crystal meth is
frequently the driving force for crimes committed, either to support
purchase of the drug or because the user is high when committing the
crime," said Victoria police Const. Brad Fraser, chair of the
society's enforcement pillar.

The information should help identify practical solutions to deal with
Victoria's crystal meth problem, Fraser added.

Other results include the following:

An informal survey of youth workers indicates that up to 85 per cent
of their clients are using crystal meth; youths as young as 12 are
using the drug;

Crimes most often associated with crystal meth use include possession
of stolen property; break and enter; prostitution; aggravated assault
and drug trafficking;

Sheriffs identified a need for a soft cell for youths coming down from
crystal meth and higher level first aid training for staff so they can
recognize and deal with crystal meth addicts.

In total, 79 youth surveys were completed and 93 adult surveys. More
information about the Crystal Meth Victoria Society is available at
www.crystalmethbc.ca.