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Crystal meth use continues to fuel an increase in crime in Saskatoon, the city’s acting police chief says.

Mark Chatterbok said a 14 per cent rise in property crime and a one per cent rise in crimes against people in 2016 compared to 2015 is linked to a simultaneous rise in meth use.

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“From our perspective, the main factor behind that is the methamphetamine in the city,” Chatterbok told reporters. “And, as you know, the drug is highly addictive and for some people that’s their way of life and for them the motivation is to get the money that they need to feed that habit and unfortunately because of that they commit crimes. And quite often it’s property crime.”

Vehicle thefts rose 21 per cent, to 1,269 from 1,047 charges, while theft under $5,000 also jumped 20 per cent to 7,614 from 6,365. Fraud increased 17 per cent, to 1,676 from 1,433, and possession of stolen property spiked to 683 charges from 475 charges, or 44 per cent.