AT THIS RATE, CRIMINALS WILL ALWAYS BE A STEP AHEAD

No amount of preventive measures -- such as bars on windows, alarm systems,
fanny packs, "the club", locks, bolts, Block Watch, outdoor lights and
removing shrubs and hedges -- will stop car thieves, muggers and home
invaders (Intruders attack women in Surrey, West Vancouver, Jan. 31).

As long as drug addicts are given carte blanche to commit crimes with no
consequences, crime will continue to climb.

The "war on drugs" is no longer a metaphor, it's real. Fear and frustration
have become the norm. Communities have been defeated and beaten by a small
percentage of the population whose greatest weapon is political
correctness. The Charles Dickens' approach that the addicted are a result
of a greedy and uncaring society is false. Millions have been spent to help
marginalized and addicted communities and, for at least the last 15 years,
schools have saturated students with education about drugs. Countless
numbers of people have extended helping hands only to be taken advantage of
and abused. I know: I offered a helping hand.

Why do people continue to commit crimes to poison their bodies? Because
they want to and we let them. The desperation of criminals will adapt to
any increased level of security and police officers will continue to
protest with a shield that has no sword. Batten down the hatches, it's
going to be a very long war.

Patti Milsom

Vancouver