DRUG CRACKDOWN CREDITED FOR DROP IN CRIME RATES

Increased drug enforcement is being credited for big decreases in home
break-ins and motor vehicle thefts in Hamilton last year.

"Although we're seeing some great stats, a reason to celebrate, there's
still work to be done," Deputy Chief Ken Leendertse told the Hamilton
Police Services Board during a presentation on 2004 crime rates.

"Any time someone has their house broken into or is a victim of a purse
snatching or robbery downtown, it really impacts our community."

The 3,476 vehicle thefts and 1,973 home break-ins represented 26 and 24 per
cent decreases, respectively, with the 3,383 assaults representing the next
biggest drop at 16 per cent fewer than in 2003.

While robberies, sexual assaults, frauds, thefts and other break-ins also
decreased, murders, attempted killings and abductions rose slightly - to
nine, seven and 12, respectively. Deputy Chief Leendertse said the latter
numbers are still below the five-year average and belie a trend that has
seen violent crimes drop by nearly one-quarter over that period.

Municipalities across Canada are also seeing violent crime rates drop, "but
not to this level," he said, linking the decreases to a clampdown on drug
offences, particularly crack cocaine.

Even so, the biggest jump in drug charges was for marijuana possession,
with the 583 arrests representing a 58 per cent increase over 2003.

The number of charges for growing pot also increased by a third, to 81,
while cocaine possession and trafficking were up by 17 and 24 per cent,
with 233 and 151 charges, respectively.

"We really focused this year on getting the message out to high school
students on the use of marijuana," Deputy Chief Leendertse said.

Police Chief Brian Mullan said crack addicts are responsible for
three-quarters of all break-ins and virtually all bank, variety and gas-bar
other robberies, but not most violent crimes. Targeting marijuana meanwhile
sends the message that illegal drugs are not welcome in Hamilton and
schools in particular, he said afterwards.

"School kids are telling me directly that their Number One concern is the
use of marijuana within those schools, so we have listened to that," Chief
Mullan said.

"Anybody found in possession of marijuana is in violation of the (criminal)
code or the act and we will pursue them. Within this community we have
taken the strong position against any form of drugs, including marijuana,
and we'll continue that status."

That view was echoed by board chair Bernie Morelli, who said zero tolerance
of illegal drugs will remain the rule until the law changes.

"I don't think that we're considered as a police force, certainly from a
board policy, one that that doesn't use discretion," he said when asked if
a student's potential career choices should be ruined by a simple
possession charge.