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Criminal Markets
Metal Theft
As of September 2008, the economic slowdown in North America affected the prices of precious metals throughout the world. Subsequently, demand for these types of metals fell which resulted in a corresponding drop in metal theft occurrences in Canada.
Prior to the economic slowdown, metal theft occurrences skyrocketed across North America. Strong demand in growing economies such as India and China resulted in high prices for these metals throughout the world and fuelled a wide scrap-metal black market throughout Canada and the United States. Individuals and organized criminals targeted virtually anything containing any precious metals, with copper being the most sought-after metal.
The market prices of precious metals such as copper, aluminum, nickel, zinc, lead and others are directly related to metal theft occurrences. When the market prices for metals increase, it is expected that a corresponding increase in metal theft cases also occurs.
"Persons involved in organized criminal activity are in it for personal gain. They have no concern for the negative impacts their actions have on individuals, families and communities." RCMP, Prince Edward Island, Commanding Officer, Chief Superintendent Randy Robar
The final link in the national law enforcement network
Police agencies from across Prince Edward Island came together January 2009 in Charlottetown to officially launch PEI's Criminal Intelligence Service Bureau (CISPEI). This completes the CISC network of provincial bureaus dedicated to collecting information and intelligence on organized crime.
The Bureau Director of CISPEI said organized crime makes its presence felt in PEI in a number of ways, but the primary activity continues to be the illegal drug trade. The increased bureau presence in PEI will better enable frontline police officers and specialized units to combat organized crime by providing them with accurate and timely intelligence.
At the launch was PEI's Attorney General who said he is pleased police agencies in the province will now have new resources to help combat crime. An allocation of $320,000 per year over the next five years will be combined with additional funding from the province to ensure the success of CISPEI.
The Director General of CISC Central Bureau in Ottawa said the organization will continue to ensure that law enforcement strategies regarding organized crime are aligned with regional initiatives and tactical priorities.
