ATTENTION DIVERTED FROM DRUG ENFORCEMENT

Sexual assault, theft and drug charges have all declined in Campbell River
during the first quarter of this year, according to the RCMP.

However, a lower number of drug charges doesn't reflect any actual
reduction in substance abuse, said Insp. Larry Stright. Officers normally
assigned to drug-enforcement were shifted during the beginning of the year
to focus on a rash of break-ins, he said.

During that time the number of drug-related charges dropped as a result, by
35 per cent.

"It's one of those situations where you rob Peter to pay Paul," Stright
said while presenting the municipal crime stats to city council.

The break-ins were conducted by an organized group of criminals. Most of
the group is currently in custody or before the courts, according to
police. B&Es increased by 25 per cent during the first quarter, with a
slight decrease in business break-ins but a 42 per cent jump for residental
areas. Sexual offenses dropped by 41 per cent, but overall assaults have
increased. Common assaults, which include most cases of domestic violence,
increased by 26 per cent. Police were called to 78 domestic disputes, with
21 charges of assault made.

Traffic enforcement has increased, but this hasn't prevented accidents from
happening. Despite a 63 per cent increase in traffic enforcement, reported
accidents increased by 17 per cent, with a 50 per cent increase in
accidents resulting in injury. Police are currently studying all accidents
reported over the last five years, as part of a national effort to reduce
injury and fatal accidents.