STUDY RANKS VANCOUVER HIGH FOR PROPERTY CRIMES

Vancouver (CP) -- A year-long study by the Vancouver Board of Trade has
revealed the city is second-worst in North America for property crimes. Out
of 354 North American cities, only Miami had a higher property-crime rate.

The study calls for a dramatic shakeup in how police, courts and
governments handle property crime.

Property crime in Vancouver costs $128-million a year, but police are only
able to close 8.7 per cent of all reported theft files.

Auto theft and house break-ins account for most property crimes.

Higher deductibles and the threat of higher auto-insurance premiums keep
many victims from complaining.

The report recommends more police resources, a tougher justice system and
better drug treatment for addicts.