Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Hay River (Mar 18/02) - A huge crime increase in the South Slave is connected to prosperity trickling into the community, say RCMP.

More people have jobs, and money in their pockets. That gives way to more alcohol and drug use, which leads to more crime, says Sgt. Don Fisher.

"That's what prompted a small increase in behaviour problems in the community," Fisher told the Hay River Chamber of Commerce Feb. 22.

However, the increase in the community of about 3,500 people is hardly small. Police arrested 45 per cent more people between 1999 and 2001. Arrests went from 453 in 1999 to 505 in 2000 and 655 in 2001.

Cynthia James, economic development officer at the Hay River Reserve, said prosperity is highlighting pre-existing social problems.

"The problems were already there, but now people are able to buy more alcohol."

James called for more resources targeted at alcohol and drug use prevention.

Statistics show violent crime is also on the rise. Crimes against people increased from 131 in 2000 to 189 in 2001. Those figures include robbery, assaults and sexual assault.

Hay River has also experienced more break-ins, especially in an industrial park. Recently, a ring was busted which is believed responsible for a rash of snowmobile and all terrain-vehicle thefts. Property crimes like theft and fraud went from 209 to 227 over the same period.