Enoughs enough MLA demanding action amid Lower Mainland extortion cases

MLA Steve Kooner is calling for urgent measures to address the rising tide of extortion attempts affecting the South Asian community in the Lower Mainland. The MLA's comments follow a series of shootings targeting a home in South Surrey, prompting community outrage and organization. The Surrey Police Service has recorded 95 extortion-related reports this year, of which 44 incidents involved gunfire, highlighting the severity of the issue. Kooner stresses the importance of collaboration between police and Crown prosecutors to expedite investigations and secure convictions. He advocates for better access to traffic camera footage to enhance evidence collection.

Moreover, Kooner points out the need for initiatives that encourage victims to come forward. In response to the crisis, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has launched an extortion tip line and a $250,000 reward fund for information leading to convictions. Kooner insists that a multifaceted approach is necessary to combat this escalating problem effectively.