Police chief credits numerous factors for low crime rate continued from p.1 from 35.7 in 2011 and 40 in 2010) Toronto's overall Crime Severity Index was listed at 64.52 (down from 70.9 in 2011), while Peel Region received 47.49 (down from 50.3 in 2011) and Niagara Region scored 63.53 (up from 60.3 in 2011). Hamilton received an overall Crime Severity Index of 71.14 (down from 76.1 in 2011). Surrey, B.C. had the highest Crime Severity Index for 2012 with a score of 123.85. Canada, as a whole, has seen a decrease in its score from 77.6 in 2011 to 75 in 2012. During last week's meeting of the Halton Regional Police Service Board, Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner attributed Halton's Crime Severity Index score to various factors. Among them are Halton's aging population, its philosophy of proactive policing and the increased visibility of police in the community. The police chief said increased resources directed at drug enforcement may also be helping to drive down other crimes, as many crimes occur hand-in-hand with drug-related activity. "It appears the increased resources directed to drug enforcement are paying off with a 3 | Thursday, August 15, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com It appears the increased resources directed to drug enforcement are paying off with a better community Mayor Rob Burton Oakville better community," said Oakville Mayor and police board member Rob Burton during the meeting. Statistics Canada introduced the Crime Severity Index in 2009 as a way of monitoring crimes committed in Canada. Crimes are assigned `seriousness weights,' which are determined by the number of people convicted of the crime who spend time in jail, and how much jail time those individuals serve. To calculate the Crime Severity Index, the number of incidents for each offence is multiplied by the weight of that offence. FREE BREAKFAST ENTRÉE Buy one Breakfast Entrée at regular price and receive a second Entrée of equal or lesser value free. AD MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF PURCHASE. NOT VALID IN COMBINATION WITH ANY OTHER COUPON. FREE ENTRÉE MUST BE OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE AND IS SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE TAXES NOW IN OAKVILLE BAR STOOL EVENT BUY 1 AT REGULAR PRICE & GET THE 2ND FOR 146 Lakeshore Road West Oakville ON L6K 1E4 . Q.E.W KERR ST TRAFAL GAR RD 60 OFF % 905.338.6333 D AL RV DO R STORE HOURS: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm OFFER EXPIRES: August 29, 2013 LAKESH .W. ORE RD OAKVILLE 905-845-6556 · 427 SPEERS RD. UNIT 6 OPEN SUNDAYS 11AM- 4PM www.palmabrava.com (BETWEEN DORVAL & 4TH LINE) Your next Monday morning story starts this Saturday. For great stories to tell next Monday, go cycling, kayaking, horseback riding or hiking this weekend in Central Counties. Pursue your passion for adventure just a stone's throw away. Oh, and please share your stories with us when you return. Visit centralcounties.ca & plan your weekend today!