BRAMPTON, ONTARIO -- Law officials in Brampton and Mississauga, Ontario, are crediting better security camera technology, DNA databank machines and tips from the public to the 83-percent solve rate of armed robberies in 2005, reports The Brampton Guardian.

However, of the 207 armed robberies that did occur during 2005 in convenience stores, banks and armed street muggings, the weapon of choice was real and replica guns.
 
“There are a lot of guns out there,” Det.-Sgt. Bruce Chapman of the Central Robbery Bureau told the newspaper, adding, “There seems to be an increase in firearms. Whether they're real or imitation, we don’t know. The victims don’t know.”

Along with law enforcement, area residents are also stepping up efforts to help catch criminals. Chapman told the newspaper that when information becomes public about robberies, residents provide tips. “When we reach out to the community, they reach back, they help us,” he said.