DRUG TRADE BEHIND INCREASE IN CAR THEFTS

Wake up Edmonton Police Commission chairman Martin Ignasiak -- there
is a war going on out there; the drug trade is swarming Edmonton and
surrounding areas.

Last month when it was announced that car chases had increased one per
cent to two per cent, you mentioned possibly hosting a public forum.

There was little mention of the 4,000 vehicle-theft increase in
Edmonton since 2000, making for a total of 9,492 vehicles stolen in
2003.

I believe the increase in auto thefts is directly attributed to the
drug business. Should you be thinking of having a public forum, I
would urge you to focus it on the drug situation in the region.

The theft of vehicles reflects drug activity as the vehicles are used
to commit other crimes such as theft of property, break and enters and
drug deliveries.

I would suggest you invite to speak at the forum: mothers who cannot
allow their addicted children to come into their homes; citizens who
have been swarmed and beaten for their money, and self-employed
business people who use their vehicles to earn their living.

Regarding more "on the street police presence," I believe the answer
that is affordable is to have a special constable/auxiliary police
force to patrol 118th Avenue, Whyte Avenue and the LRT.

Ken Haywood

Edmonton