A national magazine is calling Chilliwack the ninth most "crime-ridden" city in the country.

That's the bad news. The good news is Chilliwack has actually dropped down Macleans' annual crime rankings list, on which it sat in sixth place last year.

Chilliwack has a "crime score" 58 per cent above the national average, according to the report, which is based on Statistics Canada's Crime Severity Index. That index uses police reports to determine how serious crime is in a given city. It assigns more weight to the most serious of crimes like homicide.

Chilliwack can thank property crime for its dubious distinction. For the second straight year, Chilliwack has the highest rate of break-and-enters in the province. The local B&E rate is double the national average.

Chilliwack may be bad, but the report identifies four other British Columbia cities with even worse crime: Prince George (first), Victoria (second), Kelowna (sixth), and Surrey (eighth).

Chilliwack residents can also take solace that property crime is dropping. Last year's first-place B&E ranking relied on crime stats from 2007. Those numbers have fallen considerably, according to RCMP Insp. Grant Wilson. And he said that trend has continued this year.

He told the Times that business break-and-enters are down 22 per cent from last year, while residential B&Es are down two per cent.

"We're aware that yes, property crime in and around Chilliwack is an issue . . . and that's why we're actively and aggressively attacking it."

Chilliwack mayor Sharon Gaetz was surprised to see the report, especially because of those decreasing numbers.

"It is disheartening to read this kind of article," she said.

Gaetz said the city has made public safety a priority, with 29 per cent of spending going directly to law enforcement.

But while the ninth-place finish may not be something to brag about, Gaetz says it is helpful in showing that more work needs to be done to address drug addiction issues in Chilliwack.

"We know that break-and-enters are directly attributable to drug use," she told the Times. "We know that's an issue."

Those with drug problems often turn to crime to finance their addictions. That could mean selling sex or goods stolen from local businesses or homes.

tolsen@chilliwacktimes.com