STOPPING THE CYCLE OF DRUG CRIME

The announcement of Strathcona RCMP's new drug section is long
overdue.

Although everybody assumes Sherwood Park is a quiet and safe place
with no crime, that isn't really the case.

It's not a haven for criminals either but residents have seen the
effects of being right beside Edmonton for a number of years.

A budget increase for the RCMP by Strathcona County has allowed the
police to hire two new officers to be dedicated to reducing drug crime
within the county.

With the addition of the police dog, which the county also approved at
budget time this year, Strathcona will definitely be a much tougher
place to run drugs in.

But often people don't realize how much effect the drug trade has on
them.

When addicts need money to get their next hit, they aren't going to
wait for their next paycheque and their dealer likely doesn't take
credit cards. So they have to look for quick cash. It may mean pawning
off the bike sitting on your front lawn, or using the money in your
purse, which you left on the passenger seat of your car.

Those types of crimes are on the rise in Strathcona County but
hopefully the new drug unit will help stop the cycle of crime.

Another way to help stop the cycle is by not being
vulnerable.

Lock your doors at all times, no matter how safe you feel or how
confident you are in your neighbourhood.

Don't leave valuables in your car, or at the very least, not in plain
sight. It doesn't take much to break into a vehicle.

Just be aware and cognizant of the fact that not everyone walking the
streets of Sherwood Park is a good person.