Although crime increased in Maine last year, the recent annual report from the Department of Public Safety included some good news, too.
Domestic violence crimes decreased for the third consecutive year in the state. The rates of most crimes, including robbery, burglary, theft, aggravated assault, rape and arson, rose in 2010, while domestic violence, auto theft and assault decreased. The number of homicides also decreased in 2010, by two.
Despite the approximate 3.6 percent increase in crime, state law enforcement agencies are trying to combat the problems and have stepped up their efforts to remove access to prescription drugs. Local police entities are working with federal agencies to solve robberies and get those offenders behind bars.
In January, federal agents announced efforts to assist local law enforcement with pharmacy robberies would be increased. The news came after the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced 31 pharmacies were robbed in nine Maine counties from Jan. 1, 2009 through Jan. 21 of this year. Of those, 13 were in York County, including six in Biddeford, two each in Saco and Kittery, and one each in Old Orchard Beach, Sanford and Waterboro.
The involvement of federal investigators and prosecutors followed a five-fold increase in pharmacy robberies from 2009 to 2010, according to U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine Thomas E. Delahanty II. He said knowing that federal agents are involved may work as a deterrent as well.
Delahanty said at the time most of the robberies had been solved, but the problem continues. Illegal diversion of prescription drugs ”“ whether stolen in pharmacy robberies or obtained through forged prescriptions or lying to doctors ”“ is prevalent in Maine, which leads the nation in the percentage of residents being treated for addiction to prescription painkillers, he said.
In addition to stepping up enforcement, police and the Drug Enforcement Agency have increased prescription drug take-back days.
In conjunction with the national prescription drug take-back day on April 30, the DEA reported Maine collected 11,920 pounds of drugs. Maine came in second for most drugs taken back, only falling behind Massachusetts.
While crime takes place on a daily basis all over the world, Maine is a pretty safe place, and we’re pleased with efforts by local, state and federal law enforcement to keep Mainers safe.
Efforts to work together, collect prescription drugs and reach out to the community keep the state’s crime rate low and help discourage people from committing crimes.
We hope local efforts to discourage drug abuse and get harmful prescriptions out of people’s homes and disposed of properly continue.
Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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