NB省预防犯罪期待加强

[SIZE="3"]The group that helps fight crime in New Brunswick communities is stepping up its efforts against criminals.

Linda Patterson, the new president of the Crime Prevention Association of New Brunswick, said one of the organization's goals this year is to be more visible, so that communities will know to come to it when they want more information on programs or initiatives.

"That's one of our top priorities," Patterson said.

She said the association intends to be an active participant with the provincial government in a conference next April on crime reduction, as well as taking on a yet-to-be-identified project.

Patterson said the organization will also produce a newsletter and revamp its website so that people can find information on what's going on around the province.

"We would really like to know what's going on in other communities, too, because we know there is great work being done," Patterson said. "It is obvious with the (recent crime prevention) awards that, when people are nominated for the work they are doing in their community, good things are happening. We also want the feedback."

If statistics are any indication, such organizations may be starting to make a difference.

According to data released by Statistics Canada in July, Canada's national crime rate declined for the third consecutive year in 2007. The agency said the downward trend in police-reported crime is something that's been happening since the rate peaked in 1991.

"The seven per cent drop in the national crime rate was driven mainly by decreases in counterfeiting and high-volume property offences, such as theft $5,000 and under, break-ins and motor vehicle thefts," said Statistics Canada.

Total Criminal Code violations in New Brunswick showed a decline of 8.2 per cent.

Patterson said the downward trend is a positive sign.

"We don't know if we're the reason or, in general, crime statistics are down," Patterson said. "That's something that's very hard to judge."

The association, meanwhile, held its annual luncheon in Oromocto recently.

Nineteen individuals and organizations were honoured.

Fifteen certificates of recognition were presented, in addition to the following awards:

* the Constable Leo "Tyler" Francis Memorial Award was presented to Const. Judy Turple of the Bathurst Police Force;

* the Business Crime Prevention Excellence Award was given to Higgins General Insurance Ltd. of Rothesay;

* and Hall of Fame Awards were given to Al Ingraham of Bridges of Canada and Heather Brown of Grand Manan.[/SIZE]