Ishpeming police blame crime on drug abuse.
By Jerry Hume
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 10:40 p.m.
Read more: Local, Crime
ISHPEMING -- It’s a growing problem across the country and here in the U.P., prescription drug abuse. A survey last year of teens in Marquette and Alger Counties found that 14% of those who responded abused a prescription medication.
That's why Wednesday night in Ishpeming, people learned how to protect themselves and others from the problem at the Neighborhood Watch Meeting.
It might surprise you, but according to Ishpeming Police, a majority of crime in the city is believed to be related to prescription drug abuse.
"We're getting more complaints of home invasions, people aren't home and leave their doors unlocked, people walk in and empty out the medicine cabinets,” said Sgt. Ron Schultz with the Ishpeming Police Department.
Paul Olson with the Great Lakes Center for Youth Development told the crowd it's a problem throughout the U.P.
"Prescription drugs are easily available, is what the experts are telling us,” said Olson, “for a lot of people there's a perception that they are safer because they're prescribed by a doctor."
But there are ways to protect you and those you know who could be getting high off medications. Olson suggests you be a community watchdog and always keep track of your prescriptions.
"In a case where somebody you care about is abusing prescription drugs,” Olson said, “you need to lock up your prescription drugs; you need to keep control of your prescription drugs."
If you'd like more information, or to schedule the prescription drug abuse awareness presentation for your community group, you can call (906) 475-7848.
