DRUG ARRESTS UP IN 2003

There were fewer break and enters reported to Powell River RCMP in
2003 despite a sharp spike in figures that occurred in December. Break
and enters in the Powell River Regional District numbered 86, said
RCMP Sergeant Andy Brinton, for a 19 per cent decrease over 2002. The
figure includes businesses, residences and cottages.

There were 281 break and enters in the municipality in 2003. "That's a
seven per cent decrease," over 2002, said Brinton.

Vandalism and mischief under $5,000 decreased as well. The rural area
saw a drop of 31 per cent, with 66 cases reported, and the
municipality a drop of 13 per cent, with 355 cases reported.

Police handled 87 drug files in the regional district in 2003-a 102
per cent increase over 2002. Drug files were also up in the
municipality and police dealt with 189 files, a 35 per cent increase
over 2002.

Brinton attributes the increase in the number of drug files to tips
provided by the public. "When you get more drug offences it's because
people are calling us."

Powell River RCMP has initiated an action plan based on community
input and other areas previously identified. "The main areas
identified have been property crime and drugs-which we connect-and
traffic," said Brinton.

Traffic enforcement increased by 14 per cent in 2003, and there was a
17 per cent decreease in traffic accidents in the rural areas and a
nine per cent increase in the municipality.

There was a 27 per cent increase in motor vehicle accidents in which
there were no injuries last year, and 60 injury accidents. One of
those accidents was fatal.

There were 28 thefts of motor vehicles in the regional district last
year, down 10 per cent. In the municipality there were 28
motor-vehicle thefts, down 32 per cent from 2002.