FIGHT ON CRIME ALL TALK NO TEETH

B.C. Solicitor-General Rich Coleman rode into Chilliwack Thursday
praising city officials while promising an all-out war on criminals in
the province. While we salute Chilliwack RCMP, Mayor Hames and his
colleagues for this recognition, it's all toothless talk unless Mr.
Coleman and the justice system actually passes new laws and follow to
the letter those already in existence.

What sense is there in sweeping criminals off our streets if they are
allowed to return within days and often hours of arrest? Frustrated
RCMP on the street will tell you it is a frivolous exercise that makes
little sense.

And the same goes for marijuana-grow operators located in our area.
Police sources say they have a long list of suspected locations here -
more than a year's worth of full-time arrests and dismantlings ready
to go - but why are taxpayers spending nearly $200,000 per year on a
task force if the criminals receive little punishment and are back in
operation the next week in a new location?

The only way to stop this crime - in fact, any crime -from occurring
is to create new laws with teeth and find judges who are willing to
hold criminals responsible for their actions. Better yet, legalize the
product, making it worthless to organized criminals and invest the tax
money (billions of dollars) in health and education systems sorely in
need of new funding.

Local officials are doing everything to fight growing crime problems
in our ever-changing city. When women in downtown Chilliwack began to
report a preponderance of purse-snatchings and thefts, resources were
freed up, arrests were made and wrist slaps generously handed out by
an over-burdened court system. Same goes for those who break into
houses and automobiles, stealing from hardworking, taxpaying citizens.
The criminals know the punishment they receive is very little compared
to the proceeds they gain from crime.

The answer of course is not as Mr. Coleman would have us believe - the
proposed disappearance of rights for all citizens in order to catch
criminals. Instead, law enforcement officials and the courts must be
armed with new laws for an ever-changing society and the resources
with which to do proper battle.

We deserve nothing less.