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THE NEW TANNERTHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2010 3 Fewer criminal offences were committed in Hal- ton last year compared to 2008, according to the Halton Regional Police Services year-end crime statistics report which will be presented at todays (Thursdays) Police Servi- ces Board meeting. Specifically, 1,225 fewer criminal offences occurred in Halton in 2009 (14,043) as compared to 2008 (15,268). When Regional population growth is taken into account, this represents a significant 10.5 per cent drop in the overall crime rate Crime rate is the number of offences committed per 100,000 people. Statis- tics Canada and police use crime rate measurements to give the most accurate comparison of criminal ac- tivity between communities with different populations, and within a single com- munity over different time periods. When a community that is already as safe as Halton shows this kind of decline in criminal offences, it speaks volumes about how effect- ively everyone, including the police, the public and our community partners, are working together for public safety, said Chief Gary Crowell, adding that a number of factors outside of police control can influ- ence crime rate, including demographics and socio- economics. Based on motor vehicle collision rates and com- munity feedback, Crowell made traffic safety one of the Services key policing priorities when he became Chief of Police in 2006. By using a combined approach of enforcement, education and working with regional municipality road engineer- ing departments, there were some tangible improve- ments in road safety in the region last year. Most notably, the number of fatal collisions plum- meted by 40 per cent from 15 in 2008 to nine last year. Injury collision totals de- creased 8.5 per cent, and property damage collisions went down 12.5 per cent. The number of impaired drivers arrested on local roads increased by 3.6 per cent from 390 to 404 and there were 448 temporary driving license suspensions issued in 2009. Fortunately last year fewer people were injured or killed on Halton roads, but even one serious injury accident or fatality is too many, said Chief Crowell. Motorists can continue to do their part by buckling up, slowing down and keeping a careful eye out for pedes- trians. In further good news for home and business owners, Haltons property crime rate dropped by 10.8 per cent, with 10,502 offences com- mitted in 2009. Crimes in this category include theft, breaking and entering, mischief, auto theft, arson, fraud and the possession of stolen goods, and accounted for nearly 75 per cent of all crimes committed in the re- gion last year. Chief Crowell attributed part of the property crime rate decrease to special enforcement initiatives targeting auto theft at the AMC Theatre complex and theft from autos at lo- cal GO Transit stations, as well as the culmination of Project DISH, a joint forces operation that led to the dis- mantling of crime groups that had been responsible for dozens of residential and commercial break and enters in the GTA. In other categories, vio- lent crime offences went down from 2,463 in 2008 to 2,362 in 2009, representing a 6.7 per cent drop in the violent crime rate based on population growth. Accounting for 16.8 per cent of all criminal of- fences committed in Halton in 2009, violent crimes are incidents that involve the application or threat of force to a person, such as homicide, attempted mur- der and various forms of sexual and non-sexual as- sault including domestic violence, robbery and ab- duction. Halton also saw a 12.2 per cent decrease in the rate of Other Crimes committed in 2009, which encompass Criminal Code offences that are not classi- fied as violent or property crimes such as prostitution, offensive weapons, bail violations and disturbing the peace. Crime down in Halton Stats show improvement SPA PRIZE: Actons Val Robertson (left) was the lucky winner of a Valentines Day contest held at Blue Springs Spa. She received tickets for a limo ride, dinner for two and a theatre show from Spa owner Darlene Saunders. Frances Niblock photo Appeal for Haiti The mens ministry of Acton Baptist Church (MADMEHN Men of Acton, Devoutly Meeting Evangelical and Human Needs) is partnering with the Eglise Evangelique Baptiste dOttawa (the Evange l i ca l Bap t i s t Church of Ottawa) to meet an immediate and urgent need in Haiti. The Canadian response to the recent earthquake in Haiti has been un- precedented, however the situation in Haiti re- mains chaotic as relief efforts now shift to meet- ing infrastructure needs. As the country enters the rainy season, hundreds of thousands of people remain without adequate shelter in the capital, Port- au-Prince and across the country. Acton Baptist Church (ABC) and the Evan- gelical Baptist Church of Ottawa (EBCO) have launched a collection drive for new and used tents, tarps, sleeping bags and air mattresses for immediate shipment in containers to Haiti, where teams from both churches will assist in the distribution efforts to communities in need. In addition, they are hoping to collect basic toiletry items such as soap, tooth- brushes and toothpaste. EBCO has secured the rental of, and funds for shipping two, forty-foot containers from Ottawa to Haiti. Allan Jensen, spokesperson for MAD- MEHN in Acton recently met with Rev. Narcisse, and pledged the support of ABCs mens ministry in the collection efforts. We are very proud of the fierce support and generosity which we consistently see in times of need from the citizens of Halton Hills, Jansen said. There may be many people in our commun- ity whom I know would have wanted to donate more to Haiti, but were simply unable to do so because of their own fi- nancial situations; this is their opportunity to make a real and immediate dif- ference in the lives of a Haitian family who have lost everything. Donat ions of used camping shelters and tarps in good condition, as well as new equipment and the toiletries is being collected and stored at Acton Baptist Church, 80 Mill Street, Acton. Given the urgency of the need, it is hoped that local do- nations can be brought to the containers in Ottawa by mid-March. Were just a small church in a small com- munity, Allan says, but the people of Acton and Georgetown have huge hearts, and we know that people will respond. The church isnt open regular hours, so if people want to donate they can call us and well come pick it up for them To arrange for pick-up, please call Allan at 519- 929-9138, or Jacques Rheaume at 519-853- 9556. At last, a deal has been struck between Canada and the USA on the Buy Amer- ican legislation. This was the $787-billion American stimulus package whereby all US Federal Government funding for American States and Municipalities infrastructure projects had to be 100 per cent American content. In essence, this slammed the door on Canadian companies doing business in the States, yet at the same time, American firms still had unencumbered access to Can- adian Infrastructure Projects. Remember the Canadian firm, IPEX, who had their pipes ripped out of the ground in California be- cause they had Made in Canada on them. Our Council was the first municipality in Canada to stand up to this American Pro- tectionist Policy. Halton Hills was known across the country, let alone in American newspapers, British and even a Japanese newspaper. We had support from municipal- ities and politicians from across the nation. The issue landed in the Prime Ministers of- fice and then Presidents Obamas office. John Hayward of Hayward Gordon locat- ed here in Halton Hills, was terrific in getting the word out through the media that Can- ada was being shafted by the Buy American policy. The Americans did rag the puck and ran out the clock; however the new agree- ment does give a sound framework to open up the border. There are conflicting reports to whether this is a good or bad deal. The devil is in the details. What I do know is both countries rely on trade and must work together in order to be prosperous. Who would have known that the Town of Halton Hills would play a significant role in this international story? More importantly, this isnt just about a trade deal, its about people. Its about protecting Canadian workers, fam- ilies, businesses and communities. ***** There have been many community fund- raisers for Haiti from churches, pubs, and schools throughout Halton Hills. Id like to thank all organizations for arranging these events in support of the Haitian earthquake victims. ***** Congratulations to Finn Poulstrup on be- ing selected as this years Hockey Heritage Award recipient. Finn has been a tireless supporter for hockey in Georgetown for years. ***** Good luck to Heather McIsaac, Provincial Boxing Champion who will be representing Acton, Halton Hills and Ontario at the Can- adian National Boxing Championships in Halifax, Nova Scotia on February 23-27, 2010. ***** Congratulations to the following business- es that have opened in Halton Hills: Renaissance Womans Boutique, located in Youngs Pharmacy Inkwell Montessori School Dominos Pizza in Acton Congratulations to the following busi- nesses on their anniversaries: Acton Jiu-Jitsu is celebrating their 10th Anniversary Accountants on Main on their 2nd year Anniversary and expansion Go Canada Go! By Rick Bonnette Mayors Corner