CITY, POLICE TEAM UP IN CRACK HOUSE CRACKDOWN

Strategy Targets Absentee Landlords

Police had some special new weapons in their arsenal when they raided a
house full of crack cocaine users in a north end neighbourhood.

They were members of the city's fire department, health department and
property standards branch -- all part of a broad-based strategy to crack
down on crack houses.

While police got busy laying criminal charges, other city officials were
there to address the string of property violations found in the rundown home.

"This is something that is really crucial," said Detective Sergeant Rick
Wills, head of the vice and drugs unit. "When these crack houses get
established, the people who are involved with them couldn't care less what
happens with the property."

Crack houses are often allowed to turn into flop houses by absentee
landlords. Unkempt lawns, blocked fire exits, electrical problems and other
safety hazards are all subject to scrutiny by the multi-agency task force.
The city and fire department can issue orders for the owner to comply with
building and fire codes. If the owner refuses, the city can have the place
cleaned up with the cost added to the owner's tax bill.

Once the crack users are cleared out of the house by police, it's often
left vacant and becomes a dangerous site for trespassers. "Once the people
leave, the house itself may be a safety issue for other neighbours," said
task force member Sergeant Dave Calvert. "(The task force) assists us in
securing the home so that it's a safe place."

Calvert said they put the task force to the test when they raided a home on
Stirton Street in June. "There were violations of all kinds," he said.

New Police Chief Brian Mullan said tackling the city's crack cocaine
problem tops the list of his priorities. He cited this task force as one of
many tools in the war against the powerful drug which drives people into a
desperate life of crime to support their habit. Crack has been blamed for a
rash of robberies and muggings in Hamilton.

"Crack cocaine is the scariest thing anybody's ever seen," Wills said, of
the effects of the drug on users and society. The multi-agency task force
was launched three years ago to target problem bars and restaurants. It was
so successful it recently expanded to help crack down on drug activity in
residences and other establishments. So far, it's been used at two crack
houses and will continue to expand.

Jim Winn, chief fire prevention officer, said the task force is effective
because members work as a team.

"The more weight you can bring down on a place, the sooner you can get it
cleaned up."

Wills said police are also asking the city to consider implementing a bylaw
which would make landlords financially responsible for criminal activity
that takes place on their property. If they allow their property to become
a crack house or marijuana growing operation, they would be required to pay
the costs of the police investigation.

Councillor Sam Merulla, chair of the city's licensing committee, said he
strongly supports the initiative because it puts pressure on land owners,
particularly absentee landlords, to be responsible for their property.