SHIFT POLICE FROM POT BUSTS INTO PREVENTING REAL CRIME

Re: Fox warns Americans about 'Vansterdam,' June 18

The article pointed out that "Vancouver has a higher property crime rate
than any city in Canada or the U.S." In reaction, Vancouver Board of Trade
chairman Graeme Stamp said, "The city doesn't have enough police officers to
deal with the problem."

I would like to offer a simple solution, without having to recruit more
police: Get the officers away from marijuana hunting and small grow
operation raids, and there will be a substantial increase in the enforcement
available for property crimes. The amount of time and money spent in this
war on cannabis could be much better used to protect buildings, homes and
vehicles.

There is general agreement that it is time for change in Canada, and
Vancouver can lead the way with our example of social acceptance and
tolerance. The only issue is that until then, I, and many others, are
labelled criminal, and will still suffer from marijuana persecution. It's
time for real change.

Jodie Giesz-Ramsay

Vancouver