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h -~ Residents shouldn't put their guards Dateline The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, August 2, 2005 - A9 from STATSCAN on page 1 minutes, Chief Algar said - a vast improvement from the days when it could take weeks t get that kind of information. "Forensic sciences are improving our capability of apprehend- ing people in a more timely manner." Police also help prevent crime by tracking and anticipating crim- mal activity, Chief Algar said. The police chief noted even with a low crime rate, Halton resi- dents shouldn't let their protective guard down because obviously crime still exists. "Crime doesn't recognize borders," he said. University of Toronto criminology professor Scot Wortley said the declining numbers seen in Halton aren't only indicative of what's happening in Canada, but across North America. "Ils not surprising," he said. What also could be a factor in Halton, an affluent region, is the increased use of private security firms and car alarm systems res- idents are using to better protect themselves and their property, Mr. Wortley said. "All of these things make it more difficult for casual crime to take place." The professor said one thing it's important to note when it comes to crime is how the public views it. He said crime coverage in the media has intensified over the last 20 years, giving people the impression that perhaps crime is ail around them. "People hear about crime everyday where before they didn't," Mr. Wortley said. "I'm sure in Halton they hear about crimes that take place in Toronto, they hear about crimes that take place in the United States, they hear about crimes that take place in Europe... which makes it appear like crime is atl around." Despite a low crime rate, Halton police still face some criminal problems, most notably counterfeiting money. It's a growing con- cern among the police services, said Chief Algar, especially since it has exploded within a two-year period. In 2002, there were 692 counterfeiting cases, while in 2004 there were 1,721 such cases - representing a startling increase of 150 per cent. Chief Algar said the bottom line is technology has made it easi- er to counterfeit. "Counterfeiting is a problem." he said. i tSSd~ sâ. , i . - _ Wellspring Halton-Peel, a support net- work for cancer patients and their families, holds its peer support program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2545 Sixth Line in Oakville. For more information, call (905) 257-1988. Wednesday Aug. 3 Wellspring Halton-Peel, a support net- work for cancer patients and their families, holds its Graduate Metastatic Cancer Support Group from 10:30 a.m. to noon at 2545 Sixth Line in Oakville. For more information, call (905) 257-1988. The Ontario Early Years Centre holds its Playtime in the Park from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Bronte Meadows Park with an informal playtime for adults and kids up to six years old. For more information, call (905) 876-1244. Ebenezer United Church, 12274 Guelph Line, holds special summertime services weekly at 7 p.m. Everyone's welcome. Regular Sunday services continue rotation- ally within the three-point pastoral charge. For more information, call Pastor Mark Rutledge at (905) 854-2423. The Oakville branch of St. John Ambulance offers an emergency first aid and CPR class. For more information, call (905) 469-9325, ext. 0. Pesticide Alternatives for Milton pres- ents the Yelow Fish Road storm drain marking event at 1 p.m. at Laurier Park (Laurier Avenue between Thompson Road and Ontario Street) featuring fun for the whole family. Children paint yellow fish beside storm sewers using Conservation Halton kits. Learn about water pollutants and alternatives to pesticides and chemical fertilizers. An organic lawn care demo and information, call (905) 693-9837 or go to www.conservationhalton.ca. Wednesday Aug. 3 - 4 The Oakville branch of St. John Ambulance offers a standard first aid and CPR class over two days. For more information, call (905) 469-9325, ext. 0. Thursday Aug. 4 Milton District Hospital holds a breast- feeding clinic with a certified lactation consultant from 7 to 9 p.m. For more infor- mation or to make an appointment, cal Jean Gallen at (905) 878-2383, ext. 7030. The Fine Arts Society of Milton's Evening Group of Artists meets from 7 to 10 p.m. The informal environment pro- vides artists with an opportunity to exer- cise their drawing skills. For more infor- mation, call Janis at (905) 854-5753. The Women's Centre, suite 210 in Hopedale Mal at Rebecca Street and Third Line, in Oakville holds its Women's Caring and Sharing Circle from 1 to 3 p.m. Peer counseling is held in person or over the phone from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with no appointment necessary. For more infor- mation or to register, call (905) 847-5520. Friday Aug. 5 Wellspring Halton-Peel, a support net- work for cancer patients and their families, holds its Relaxation and Visualization group from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 2545 Sixth Line in Oakville. For more informa- tion, call (905) 257-1988. The Oakville branch of St. John \.iuLai nc s a. baysitimîg course idi youths aged 11 to 15. For more informa- tion, call (905) 469-9325, ext. 0. Saturday Aug. 6 Mountsberg Conservation Area holds its Evening with the Bats event from 7 to 9 p.m., which includes watching the bat pop- ulation head out for their nocturnal hunt, a puppet show, games and information on bat research. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $8 for kids and are available by calling (905) 854-2276. Euchre takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Hornby Co-operative Nursery School. Everyone's welcome to attend. Saturday Aug. 6 - 7 Country Heritage Park holds its Heavy Horse Field Days event from noon to 5 p.m. each day featuring horse drawn wagon rides, plowing, hay-making and grain-cutting plus stoking, threshing, fari- er and hamess demonstrations. Tickets cost $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for kids. For more information, cati (905) 878- 8151. Sunday Aug. 7 Christian Music in the Park takes place in the afternoon at Victoria Square in front of Town Hall on Brown Street featur- ing various performers. The event is spon- sored by Milton Area Christian Churches Working Together. Monday Aug. 8 Welispring Halton-Peel. a support net- • see more DATELINE on page A27 547 Main St. E. MILTON 878-0931 i80e: SU5-575-4V955Fax: SU7i-475 1 V-H-OULDAY *wuww.hisxpress.comr Q hiexmilton@ginaiLem) 1