DRUG WAR HEATS UP

Chilliwack RCMP are looking for shy home invasion victims who haven't told
anyone that they have been attacked.

While that might sound odd, the link is illegal activities, according to
RCMP Const. David Aucoin, who wouldn't go so far as to say police are
looking for people involved in grow operations.

RCMP suspect that three local residents they have in custody in relation to
two home invasions and one robbery in a park, may have been involved in
other home invasions in the area. And the victims were too worried about
their own activities to go to police.

"We're satisfied there's other victims out there and they just haven't come
forward," Aucoin said. "They may think that being a victim is part and
parcel of doing business."

Aucoin agreed that fear of prosecution could be keeping lips sealed. He
didn't say that anyone who comes forward wouldn't be investigated, however,
he did say that police would look at each case individually.

"This is after the fact now. Obviously things have gone by the wayside. If
there was a grow-op, it is gone," he said.

Even if the call for victims doesn't raise any interest among those who may
have been targeted by the Chilliwack trio, the issue should raise public
awareness, Aucoin said.

RCMP are promoting programs including Safe Houses, Safe Communities,
Neighbourhood Watch and targeting grow operations.

Curtis Wayne Vidal, 22, Chad Hansen, 21, and Martin Snowden, 22, face
assault and weapons charges.

* Anyone with information is asked to call Const. Neil Smyth of the
Chilliwack Serious Crime Unit at 604-792-4611 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS