CRIME IS ON THE INCREASE IN AITKIN

Crimes are on the increase in the city of Aitkin.

Police Chief Terry Thompson attributes it mostly to the growth of the town
but also to the increased abuse of drugs.

In 2003, the Aitkin Police Department investigated 80 accidents, answered 52
burglar alarms, performed 233 motorist assists, and responded to 136 animal
complaints.

Crimes and investigations included 19 assaults, 66 attempts to locate, 31
cases of breaking and entering, four death investigations, 98 disturbances,
52 domestic calls, 26 drug cases, 41 family services, 17 forgery incidents,
11 harassments, nine search warrants, eight sexual assaults, nine suicidal
cases, 135 thefts, 13 threats, 49 vandalisms and 64 other investigations.

"The use of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs has increased the crime
in a lot of different ways," said Thompson.

Areas where this is especially evident are disturbances, thefts, burglaries,
identity theft, forgery, shoplifting and credit card fraud.

All this is left to six police officers in the department who provide
24-hour coverage for Aitkin.

Good Things Happening

Along with more work involved with crimes and investigations, the department
also has been involved in more public relations activities.

In 2003, someone from the police department participated in the following:
ribbon cutting at Riverwood Healthcare Center, assisted teaching juvenile
diversion program, taught Drug Awareness Resistance Education program,
worked with high school law class, DARE graduation and Twins game, Career
Day at high school, in-service training for high school, McGregor DARE
graduation, job shadowing for high school, bike safety program, Aitkin
Chamber of Commerce presentation, retail chamber meeting, Safety Town,
school crossing and traffic control for school buses, Riverboat Days, dunk
tank fundraiser for Rotary, in-service training for bus drivers, junior high
drug prevention program, DARE helicopter fly-in presentation, Take Back the
Night, fire department open house, hospital disaster drill, Fishhouse
Parade, first grade presentation, snowmobile training class, Aitkin County
Fair, July 4 celebration and an internship program.

Stay Alert

Thompson encourages the public to report suspicious activity to the police
or sheriff's department.

"Don't' leave valuables in your vehicles and lock your doors," Thompson
said.