REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ADDICTS TO CUT CRIME

The recent revelations that Vancouver is not only the property crime
capital of the country (and almost the continent) and now the bank robbery
capital of Canada should surprise no one.

What next? Most residents are fully aware of the city's precipitous descent
into lawlessness over the past several years. While the city has lost none
of its physical beauty, the social environment has deteriorated immensely.

We all know that the serious drug problems in the city are principally
responsible for these deplorable conditions. While most of us would concede
that addicts require treatment and support, not prison time, the same
cannot be said for dealers. The Vancouver Police Department must enforce
laws that prohibit the sale of controlled drugs, and the justice system
must cooperate and administer stiff sentences to dealers.

I would also challenge Vancouver Board of Trade members to take positive
steps to address the issues they have brought to the fore by committing
funds to open an addiction treatment centre downtown. The cost would be
marginal compared to the continuing costs of addiction.

Let's set a goal of halving the number of addicts within two years. We will
see that the crime rate will in turn fall to a bearable level.

Sean Byrne

Vancouver