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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, M ay 2, 20 19 | 14 Amplifon is a global leader in hearing healthcare, with more than 65 years of experience. Now offering the most thorough hearing test in Canada, our hearing experts have developed a deep understanding of how to care for the needs of the new generation. Take advantage of cutting-edge testing technology and book a complimentary hearing test today 905.827.5124 2 - 2520 Postmaster Drive, Oakville *Terms and conditions: Offer valid on select models and discount is applicable to binaural purchase, the 2nd aid only. Expires 5/31/2019. Celebrate Better Hearing Month with Amplifon and save an additional $500 OFF the second aid. BOGO up to 30% OFF premier hearing technology! On the second aid. Quote Ref: ONMAY500 www.amplifon.com/ca Our wOrlD-reNOwNeD HeAriNG exPerts Are Here tO HelP. 40%Off 40% off any order of $1000 of more. $300 off any order of $700 or more. Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $500 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Plus Free InstallatIon Imagine your home, totally organized! Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices, Pantries, Laundries, and Hobby Rooms Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate www.closetsbydesign.ca 855-996-9586 BP 2013 © All Rights Reserved. Closets by Design, Inc. Follow us SPECIAL FINANCING Available! With approved credit. Call or ask your designer for details. Not available in all areas. The Statistics Canada re- port won't be available until July, but Halton police are al-July, but Halton police are al-J ready saying crime in Halton is continuing its downward trend overall. In an annual perfor- mance report, which was re- ceived during a recent meet- ing of the Halton Regional Police Services Board, offi- cers noted that although there were 27 more criminal offences reported in 2018 than in 2017 (12,125 incidents versus 12,098 incidents) the crime rate actually dropped by 2.1 per cent when regional population growth is taken into account. Police said violent crime (e.g. assault, murder, at- tempted murder, robbery) increased by 0.7 per cent, from 2,292 incidents in 2017 tofrom 2,292 incidents in 2017 tof 2,309 incidents in 2018, but again noted this represents a violent crime rate decrease of 1.6 per cent when popula- tion growth in Halton is fac- tored in. The data, which was ob- tained by the police service's in-house Niche Records Management System and prepared by its analytics and decision support unit, also showed property crime (e.g. theft, breaking and entering, mischief) in Halton de- creased by three per cent, from 8,344 reported criminalfrom 8,344 reported criminalf offences in 2017 to 8,093 of- fences in 2018. This repre-fences in 2018. This repre-f sents a property crime rate decrease of 5.3 per cent. The category dubbed "other crimes," which in- cludes bail violations, coun- terfeit currency crimes, dis- turbing the peace, prostitu- tion and crimes related to of- fensive weapons, was up 17.9fensive weapons, was up 17.9f per cent, from 1,462 incidents in 2017 to 1,723 incidents in 2018. This represents a crime rate increase of 15.1 per cent in this category. Police also reported that motor vehicle collisions were up 4.6 per cent, from 9,258 incidents in 2017 to 9,680 incidents in 2018. Fatal colli- sions in Halton went up from 11 in 2017 to 12 in 2018, and im- paired driving apprehen- sions were up 5.8 per cent, from 501 in 2017 to 530 in 2018.from 501 in 2017 to 530 in 2018.f Halton police emphasized the official 2018 statistics for Halton will be issued by Sta- tistics Canada in July 2019 and reported to the police board in August. They said the statistics contained in their annual report are valid DESPITE SLIGHT INCREASE IN NUMBER OF CRIMES, HALTON POLICE SAY REGION'S OVERALL CRIME RATE DROPPED 2.1 PER CENT IN 2018 DAVID LEA dlea@metroland.com NEWS See page 15