BY KEITH LACEY
The recent rash of armed robberies is directly related to the growing problem of drug addiction.
That?s why Police Chief Ian Davidson is establishing a task force to look not only at the increase in armed robberies, but the ?underlying causes,? most which relate directly to drug addiction.
The number of robberies across Greater Sudbury hasn?t increased significantly over the past few years, but the number involving ?edged weapons and threats of violence,? has increased dramatically, said Davidson.
Talking with officers on the streets and community partners, it?s clear drug addiction is the biggest reason why desperate people will resort to brandishing weapons to steal what usually amounts only to pocket change, said Davidson.
?Drug addiction and crime obviously have a significant co-relation,? said Davidson.
Davidson said the task force will involve numerous community partners and the aim will be to offer services and programs that can help people on drugs before they consider criminal behaviour as a last resort.
Numerous robberies over the past year across Greater Sudbury have been directly related to the growing problem of Oxycontin addiction.
These high-powered pills, called ?hillbilly heroin? on the streets, have been targeted by addicts during two recent pharmacy robberies, said Davidson.
Police investigations have revealed other robberies were related to getting money to pay for the powerful pain killing pills, which are often crushed up and snorted by addicts, leading to serious addiction.
Anyone using a weapon in the course of a robbery is looking at a long jail term, but that hasn?t deterred many from committing these armed robberies, said Davidson.
There have been 12 robberies in Greater Sudbury so far in 2005, with 10 charges being laid for a success rate of 83 percent, said Davidson.
The fact people will likely get caught hasn?t diminished the number of robberies and that?s troubling, said Davidson.
?We?re in the process...of working with our community partners to determine if there?s something we can do beyond arresting people and locking them up,? he said.
