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24 The Clarington/Courtice Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, November 23, 1996 Police Form Task Force To Combat Crime Wave The Durham Regional Police Police Service has formed a task force of over 30 officers to combat the increase in armed robberies. Over the past months, police police have seen a substantial increase in these robberies and are becoming increasingly increasingly concerned that someone will be seriously injured. injured. In particular, over the past weeks, police have seen an increase in the use of weapons. weapons. Recently, on a Thursday night in the Courtice and Oshawa areas, three armed robberies occurred in a 15- minute period. In each of these robberies, guns were used and in one incident a man was hit several times in the face with a weapon. To date this year, there have been 268 robberies in Durham Region ~ a 40 per cent increase over 1995. We are fast approaching the record of 311 robberies which occurred in 1991. That was the worst year for robberies robberies in the Durham Region's Region's history. Since police cannot combat combat this challenge alone, they are asking for business and community involvement in this growing problem. Dur ham Regional Police are asking asking that any citizen who sees anything suspicious in the area of any convenience store, gas station or retail establishment establishment call police immediately. immediately. Police are also asking that anyone with any information concerning a robbery call either either the Durham Regional Police Robbery Unit at 579- 1520, Ext. 5355 t- . j ^ Factory ► Direct Lr Prices When you see this beautiful (he - you'll have to have it in your home. Beauty warmth - the perfect package! Put it on your Gas Bill, This year enjoy a cozy Christmas Season in front of your own new ace professionally installed by %\)t Comfort Üdjoppe. Book your HEAT-N-GLO SL Insert by December 15th for Christmas installation and receive a FREE Rc-Stat Remote Control Valued at $350. 1st 10 Bookings with this ad! CLIP THIS AD AND SAVE!!! HEAT-N-GLO OFFER Toronto. Let one o Your own Fireplace! The staff of the Comfort Shoppe wish you all the best for the holiday season! 160 Baseline Rd. East, Bowmanville 623-2956 Authorized Dealer CONSUMERS CAS Hpp ,v v: l mm' ■ ■ Liberty St. N * D Baseline Rd. E. ■ Dutchm; Hotel n Hwy. 401