CRIME RATE EDGES HIGHER

RCMP were kept busy in 2004 dealing with close to 6,000 complaints within
the limits of Drayton Valley. The numbers reflect a slight increase over 2003.

Altogether Drayton Valley RCMP handled 5,942 complaints in 2004, up from
5,716 in 2003. The number of people who enjoyed the dubious pleasure of a
night in the cells also increased slightly, to 848 compared to 825 a year
earlier.

Dividing the town into four quadrants with the intersection of 50 Street
and 50 Avenue at the centre, the northwest quadrant had consistently higher
rates of reported crime than the other three. The only exception was for
vandalism, which was most common in the southwest quadrant.

The number of people charged with drug offences remained virtually the
same. One hundred and thirty-seven people were charged in 2004, up from 136
a year earlier.

"Marijuana is still the primary drug of choice in terms of our statistics,"
said Staff Sgt. Steve Harrington.

Marijuana use was closely followed by methamphetamine, with cocaine as the
third most popular illegal drug.

"Those statistics can go up or down depending on which of our clientele is
in jail at the time," said Harrington.

Vehicle thefts climbed significantly in 2004 and Harrington again appealed
to drivers not to leave their vehicles running with the doors unlocked.