DRUG LAWS BLAMED FOR LOW CRIME STOPPERS NUMBERS

Anonymous Crime-Fighting Unit Released Stats For 2003

Crime Stoppers officials believe inconsistencies with Canada's drug laws
likely played a part in reducing the number of anonymous drug-related tips
in 2003.

Kawartha Lakes Police Const. Robin Schilz, also the Crime Stoppers
co-ordinator, believes changes in the country's laws for simple possession
of marijuana last year reflect in the most recent statistics released by
Kawartha-Haliburton Crime Stoppers.

In 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada made it not a criminal offence to
possess small amounts of pot.

The decision was later reversed, which Const. Schilz believes created
confusion for many in the community.

"I just think with the uncertainty with respect to the country's marijuana
laws. . . people just felt it (having pot) wasn't illegal and thought, so
why should I bother to call."

The officer notes Crime Stoppers continued to receive calls concerning more
serious offences, dealing with drugs such as crack cocaine.

In all, Crime Stoppers reports a total of $342,280 worth of drugs were
seized in 2003, as a direct result of Crime Stoppers, compared to almost $9
million the year before.

But even then, Const. Schilz notes more than one-third of the total drugs
seized in 2002 came as a result of a $3.5-million bust in Haliburton County.

Tips from Crime Stoppers last year netted about one-fourth of the $84,500
in stolen property recovered in 2002, but statistics show a total of 210
people called the organization, comparable to 236 the year before.

Twenty-four suspects were arrested last year because of investigations
generated through Crime Stoppers.

Thirty-two were arrested the year before.

Yet, even though the organization didn't see a substantial drop in the
number of people arrested through tips, Crime Stoppers paid out a mere $450
in 2003 - less than one-fifth of what tipsters earned the year before.