SMASH 'N' GRAB CONCERN

Police Say Rash Of Quick Thefts Linked To Cocaine

City police say culprits trying to feed drug addictions are behind an
unusually high number of so-called smash and grabs at dozens of doctors'
offices and other businesses.

And as cops struggle to make arrests, they urge people to turn in friends
falling prey to such desperate measures or to lead them to help -- so
Calgarians are not victims of their addictions.

"The link between drugs and the cost to the quality of life in our
communities is absolutely clear," said Calgary police drug unit Staff Sgt.
Roger Chaffin, adding people's drug addictions ultimately become society's
problem.

"Drugs are not a victimless crime.

"When you hear about home invasions, (robberies) on the street or stabbings
in nightclubs -- quite often the commonality is the pursuit of drugs.

"The cost to society is enormous."

Since June, more than 140 businesses in strip malls have been hit by what
police believe to be culprits addicted to crack cocaine.

"The tactic is not new but it's a trend where the numbers are alarmingly
high," said District 6 Sgt. Stu Morse, where six recent arrests have been
made, clearing about 40 of the cases.

"Without a doubt, most of the people we arrest for commercial and
residential break-and-enters are committing these crimes to support their
addiction to crack cocaine or some other drug.

"In some cases, addicts need $1,000 a day to buy their drugs, and they'll
do almost anything to feed their habit."

However, police are often one step behind in nabbing culprits.

Thieves can often be in and out before cops are notified, and it is tough
for citizens to 100% protect themselves from being a target.

In recent cases, suspects have used rocks or other objects to smash in
glass doors or windows to reveal caches.

"If it's worth something, it's stolen -- if it isn't tied down and can be
converted into cash and exchanged for drugs," said Chaffin.

"These are the sorts of things that really strike home with the community.

"Call Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477) or take steps to get friends into
treatment and help break the cycle of addiction."