CRIME STATS NOT A CONCERN

Sarnia's acting deputy police chief says the community should not
read too much into an increase in many types of crimes in the city in 2005.

"It doesn't alarm me," said Insp. Phil Nelson during a recent
interview with the Sun.

"If we go back over the last, say, 10 years, you'll see an increase
one year and a decrease some other year. And there is no real rhyme
or reason why they (the statistics) do that," he said.

Nelson said that, while drug charges and liquor complaints are up,
spousal assaults and domestic disturbances have shown a downward trend.

"It's the rhythm of the community," he commented.

He said arrests were up last year, while calls for service remained
relatively constant at just below 2,000 calls per month.

Nelson said a member of the drug squad will make a presentation to
the February meeting of the police services board on the number of
drug charges in the community.

They have effectively doubled since 2004.

"We're seeing more cocaine, crack and harder drugs," Nelson said.

"But, is that more drugs on the street or are our officers doing more
enforcement?" he asked.

He is pleased family violence issues are showing a decline, but again
cautions the improvement may be due to a statistical blip.

"It would be nice to know that some impact is being made there," he said.