Pubdate: Tue, 13 Feb 2007 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2007 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Alan Randell Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) CUT DRUG COSTS TO CUT THEFT Re: "Treat addiction to cut car thefts," Feb. 12 The Times Colonist is mistaken if it thinks that addiction per se is the cause of so many car thefts. These crimes are being committed by drug users who are forced by sky-high drug prices to resort to crime to finance their habit. Only when we summon up the courage to legalize all drugs so that users can purchase cheaper, safer drugs at the corner store will we stand a chance of reducing crime. Those addicted to inexpensive substances rarely become criminals. Alan Randell, Victoria. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman