THURSDAY
SEVENS HEAVEN
Strong showings by Yale and Bateman highlighted the Abbotsford high school rugby sevens tourney A23
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Crime drops 12 per cent
APRIL 25, 2013
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Classic Crüe
BC tes
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2013
ABBOTSFORD SOUTH CANDIDATES A5 As part of ongoing election
Offences decreasing, but year-end report shows spike in traffic fatalities
coverage, The News talks with the contenders in one of the three local provincial ridings
CHANGES EYED TO HARM REDUCTION
Vikki HOPES Abbotsford News
The number of overall crimes in Abbotsford dropped 12 per cent from 2011 to 2012, but collisions resulting in injuries and fatalities increased. The 2012 year-end statistical report released this week by the Abbotsford Police Department (APD) shows there were 7,962 criminal code offences last year, compared to 9,049 in 2011. Const. Ian MacDonald said this decrease contributes to a 40 per cent drop in crime in the last four years, putting within reach the APD’s goal of 50 per cent in five years. He attributes the decrease to a focus on “intelligence-led policing” that includes analysts pinpointing crime trends in the city and officers targeting individuals – such as prolific car thieves – who could be responsible. “It (crime analysis) just gives us more tools to use,” MacDonald said. Drops were noted in almost every crime category. Among the most significant decreases were vehicle theft (down 38 per cent), firearms/explosives (26 per cent), assault with a weapon (23 per cent), and sexual offences (22 per cent). Areas experiencing an increase over 2011 were theft over $5,000 (up 22 per cent), robbery (six per cent) and domestic violence (15 per cent).
A7 Council votes to take another look at controversial policy on needle exchanges and related addiction services
PROTECT AIRSHED A4 Local candidates take similar positions on the issue of trash incineration
Q Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A9 Q Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A23 Q Viewpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A8 Q Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A49 JOHN MORROW Abbotsford News
Continued on A6
Mötley Crüe lead singer Vince Neil performs one of numerous hits as the L.A. metal band rocked a packed Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre on Tuesday night.
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