Tag: Surrey

Surrey Libraries launches Strategic Plan for 2016 – 2018

Surrey, BC. Surrey Libraries is pleased to launch its Strategic Plan for 2016 – 2018. The Library Board presented the Plan to Mayor and Council at the Council meeting on May 2. The Plan is a culmination of a yearlong process incorporating community, stakeholder and staff input.

“Libraries continue to serve an important role in the community. Long respected in their traditional roles, libraries are now emerging as dynamic platforms, offering improved access to technology and sparking innovation that will, in turn, help to transform the communities they serve,” said Library Board Chair Upkar Tatlay. “The library is at the forefront of addressing the digital literacy needs of our residents,  ensuring that everyone has access to technology and the required technical skills that are driving change in our schools, workplaces and homes. “

“Board and staff alike are proud of the accomplishments of the past few years,” says Melanie Houlden, Chief Librarian.  “We have seen a gradual shift in services as people adopt electronic formats such as e-books.  With a focus on excellent service, we will engage with the community to inspire creativity and innovation.”

Some key initiatives planned for the future include:

A brand new website to engage better with Surrey residents

  • An action plan for serving children and families
  • Expanded software and tools to support digital learning

 

The full plan can be viewed at the library website www.surreylibraries.ca

Public assistance requested in break and enter

Surrey: Surrey RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect in  a break and enter to a residence in the City Centre area.

On March 27th, at 8:30am Surrey RCMP received a call from a female victim in her 80’s that an unknown male had entered her home in the 9300 block of 133A Street.  When she tried to call 911 the male locked the doors and took away her phone.  The male then searched her home, stole several items of value, and left.  The victim was not physically injured.

Surrey RCMP’s Robbery Unit is leading this investigation.  A neighborhood canvass was conducted to identify potential witnesses from the area.  Members from the Integrated Forensics Investigation Service (IFIS) were called to the scene to gather further evidence for forensic analysis.  In addition, an RCMP sketch artist was engaged and was able to produce a likeness of the suspect .

The suspect is described as a South Asian or Filipino male in his mid 30’s, 5’10” tall, with a muscular build .  The suspect was wearing an overly large black baseball cap with a brim that covered his ears, hair, and head. The suspect has “squinty” eyes and a very round head  with a short square chin.

“We’re hopeful that this composite sketch will lead to the eventual identification of the suspect,” says Cpl. Scotty Schumann. “Remember to keep your ground floor windows and doors locked, even when you are home, to reduce your risk of a break and enter.”

For more information on protecting your home and property, please see the Surrey RCMP’s website.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.

CTV news

April 5, 2016

Mounties are investigating after someone opened fire on the Surrey detachment.

The RCMP said city workers noticed a hole in an exterior window at the detachment building at 104 Avenue and 148 Street Tuesday morning.

It was initially believed to have been caused by a rock, possibly one that had been tossed from a lawn mower, but officers eventually discovered a bullet lodged in the drywall behind the window.

Mounties are still working to determine when the shooting happened

Surrey is up to 30 shootings in 2016 after two this weekend

By Kim Bolan

April 3, 2016

Surrey RCMP is confirming two more shootings this weekend, one leaving a man with serious injuries.

That makes 30 shootings so far this year, higher than the level in 2015.

The latest happened about 5:45 p.m. Sunday at the corner of 88th Avenue and 132 Street.

Two vehicles were at the intersection on a red light when the suspect vehicle opened fired on the victim vehicle.

“The suspect vehicle was last seen travelling south on  132 from 88 and the victim vehicle was last seen travelling north on 132 from 88,” S.Sgt. Dale Carr said in news release. “No injuries have been identified at the time of this release.  The suspect vehicle was described as an SUV and the victim vehicle as a car.”

He said Surrey RCMP serious crime investigators are continuing to obtain information from several witnesses that were at or near the intersection.

And the Lower Mainland District Forensic Identification Section attended the scene and were able to gather several pieces of evidence that could advance this investigation, he said.

He said there are “no arrests or suspects at this time, unknown at this time if linked to any other shooting in recent history.”

The earlier shooting happened Saturday in the 12200-block of 92 Avenue just before 8 p.m.

S.Sgt. Blair McColl said a man “suffering from injuries was transported to a  local hospital in serious condition. The injury is not life threatening.”

He said investigators determined that a vehicle was seen fleeing the scene shortly afterward the shooting.

“There is no suspect vehicle description available at this time,” McColl said.

Shots fired calls lead to increased enforcement and significant drug seizure

The Surrey RCMP is continuing to increase its proactive enforcement and expand its investigational avenues to deal with the number of shots fired incidents that have occurred in the city this year, says  the Surrey RCMP .

“Since January 1, 2016, the Surrey RCMP has received 28 confirmed complaints relating to shots being fired, with a recent increase in March.” said Superintendent Shawn Gill on April 1st at the press conference.  ” While this year’s incidents are not believed to involve the individuals engaged in last year’s drug conflicts, the majority still involve those associated to the drug trade. Five of the 28 incidents are believed to be associated to a new drug-related conflict between two groups.”

To date, five injuries and one fatality have resulted from these incidents. Nine calls involved shots being fired into a residence or building, and two files resulted from a bullet casing being found but no reports of shots being fired. The majority are occurring in the evening between the hours of 9:00pm and 6:00am.

After making over 800 arrests and detentions last year, we disrupted those who were involved in the drug conflicts last year, says Superintendent Manny Mann, Investigative Services Officer. The investigations into the recent shootings are progressing well. We are making headway thanks to the cooperation of the public and the intelligence gleaned through our enforcement efforts.

Police officers from the Surrey RCMP and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) are involved in overt enforcement action to proactively and strategically target individuals in the drug trade.

Superintendent Shawn Gill, Community Services Officer, leads the proactive enforcement for the detachment. We are attacking this situation now and we are attacking it aggressively, says Supt. Gill. With the intelligence we are receiving, our proactive enforcement teams are making it very difficult for these people to conduct their illegal business in our city.

Some success has been already realized, with 4 arrests and a significant drug seizure.

On March 16, 2016, Surrey officers were conducting proactive enforcement in Newton. They stopped a vehicle and the driver was found to be transporting a substantial quantity of illicit drugs including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and fake Oxycontin. This drug seizure is one of the largest in Surrey’s history and valued at over 4.5 million dollars. Pardip HAYER, 30 years old from Abbotsford, has been charged with four counts of trafficking in a substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

The drug trade is constantly changing. The individuals change and the drugs change, but the problem remains the same – young people are being lured into this criminal lifestyle with illusions of money and power, but the reality is much different, says Supt. Gill. We have an issue that goes beyond police – it involves the entire community. It involves parents, schools, prevention programs, and community involvement. For our part, we are working day and night to suppress both the violence and drug trafficking in Surrey.

“We have observed an increase in street level violence over the past four weeks and are committed to bringing the persons responsible before the courts,” says Assistant Commissioner Bill Fordy, Officer in Charge of the Surrey RCMP.  “We continue to appeal to the public for information on those involved in the drug trade. Our priority remains the safety of our citizens.”

“I was in Surrey earlier this week, meeting with RCMP and visiting with recipients of Civil Forfeiture and Criminal Forfeiture proceeds who are working specifically on programs to keep vulnerable young people from gang involvement and protect victims of other forms of violence,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris.  “I am very impressed with the work being done by RCMP and integrated teams like CFSEU-BC – not just in targeting and arresting gangsters and making significant drug seizures, but also for the proactive community work they do through programs like SMART, End Gang Life and the Surrey Wrap Program which will continue to have positive impacts down the road.”

Since this press conference on April 1st, 2016,  the number of shootings have gone up from 28 to  31 shootings.  There is hardly a day that goes by without a news of another shooting.  Now these recent shootings has accelerated  to  public areas and in broad daylight.

Man shot near Bear Creek Park in Surrey’s 31st shooting of 2016

By Amy Reid – Surrey Now

NEWTON — A man was sent to hospital after a car was shot up near Bear Creek Park Monday afternoon as Surrey’s relentless shooting spree continues.

Surrey has recorded 31 shootings this year so far. This is the third shooting in just three days.

Police were on scene at 86A Avenue and 140th Street at about 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoon after reports of shots being fired. A black BMW at the scene had its window shot out.

Police say a man who appears to have been shot was found at the scene and taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police have no suspects at this time and believe this was a targeted incident.

On Sunday, just before 6 p.m., gunfire rang out at the corner of 88th Avenue and 132nd Street. Surrey RCMP believes two vehicles were stopped at a red light when someone in an SUV fired multiple shots at a car. Police say the suspect’s vehicle was last seen travelling south on 132nd Street from 88th Avenue.

No injuries have been reported. Police say they have no suspects and have made no arrests and don’t know if these latest shootings are linked to the others.

Before that, on Saturday at about 8 p.m., Surrey RCMP received several reports of shots being fired in the 12200-block of 92nd Avenue, near Kirkbride Elementary. Police say a man was shot but he is expected to survive. A vehicle was seen driving away from the area but police do not have a description of it.

On Friday, Surrey RCMP revealed a jaw-dropping 28 “shots-fired incidents” since Jan. 1. That’s half of last year’s entire tally in the first three months of 2016.

During Friday’s press conference, Supt. Manny Mann said the increase in gunfire is “understandably causing concern for the public and the police.”

Police say most are related to the drug trade and a handful of the 30 incidents are believed to be connected to a new drug war different from last year’s dial-a-dope turf war.

There has so far been three arrests related to the incidents. Police haven’t put a name to the two new groups but characterized them as low-level players.

Mann appealed to people with information to “do the right thing” and call police.

More action needed to combat gun violence: Surrey MLA

BY KIM BOLAN, VANCOUVER SUN

As Opposition MLAs grilled B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Morris in question period Monday about escalating gun violence, Surrey RCMP was responding to the 31st shooting of 2016.

And Burnaby RCMP announced that homicide investigators were being called in after the body of a shooting victim was discovered on Byrne Creek Trail.

Surrey MLA Bruce Ralston said police are not doing enough to tackle the violence, which is linked to Metro Vancouver’s drug trade.

“They are not solving these cases. The violence is accelerating,” Ralston said in an interview. “That’s what people are really worried about. It’s not just a low-level background noise. It is a major ongoing threat to public safety in neighbourhoods in Surrey and in Burnaby, for that matter.”

Since senior Surrey Mounties told reporters Friday that they had implemented successful strategies to combat the violence, there have been three more incidents of public gunplay.

The latest came just before 2 p.m. Monday near 86th Avenue and 140th Street.

Cpl. Scotty Schumann said officers responded to 911 calls and found “evidence of shots being fired in the area and a male suffering from a gunshot wound.”

“The male was taken to local hospital with what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries,” Schmumann said. “Initial indications are that this is a targeted incident.”

The Monday shooting follows two others over the weekend, one of which left a man with serious injuries.

There were 60 shootings in Surrey in all of 2015.

Meanwhile the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was called to the 7300-block of Sandborne Avenue in Burnaby after a body was found Monday.

Burnaby RCMP said officers responded to the area about 8 p.m. Sunday after reports of shots fired.

“When members arrived on scene they began a search of the area including the Byrne Creek Trail that continued until the following morning. Police confirm a body has now been located,” Sgt. Derek Thibodeau said.

“We do not believe this incident is connected to any other ongoing Burnaby RCMP investigation.”

Ralston said the RCMP should be asked hard questions about their tactics in investigating the shootings and murders.

“Have they drawn on any of the national resources? Have they asked for alternate investigative techniques? Have they conducted a management review or an internal audit of the work on these particular investigations?” he said. “These are tough questions that need to be asked and they can’t just blow them off.”

He said it’s lucky there haven’t been more murders given the number of shootings.

“The potential for all kinds of people to be caught in the cross fire … it is just very, very worrisome and disturbing.”

Traffic stop leads to dial-a-dope arrest

Surrey: RCMP in Surrey arrested  two young adult males  during a traffic stop which led to the seizure of multiple controlled substances, prohibited weapons, and other evidence consistent with a dial-a-dope operation.

On November 8th, 2015 a Surrey RCMP General Duty officer was conducting pro-active patrols in the area of 134th Street and 92nd Avenue when they located a suspicious vehicle in the area. After initiating a traffic stop, the officer’s investigation resulted in the detention of the two occupants of the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed evidence consistent with drug trafficking including a small amount of crack cocaine and two prohibited weapons (sawed-off shotgun and bear spray). Upon arrival at the Surrey RCMP’s cellblock, a secondary search by officers revealed two separate packages of controlled substances, believed to be cocaine, concealed internally by the individuals.

The suspects, both 18 year old residents from Surrey, are facing a number of drug and weapons charges and have been released on a Recognizance of Bail hearing under strict conditions. Of note, both individuals have limited police contact and do NOT appear to have any direct links with those believed to be engaged in ongoing drug conflicts in the city.

“The arrest of these individuals demonstrates the pro-active efforts our officers are taking towards disrupting the sale of illegal drugs on our streets and the threat of violence that comes with it,” says Surrey RCMP Sergeant Paul Hayes. “Unfortunately it also highlights how young people continue to get caught up and preyed upon by those involved in the illegal drug trade and face serious risks to their health and safety as a result. The tactic of concealing controlled substances internally prior to arrest is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe medical issues and even possibly death. Further, police are trained to recognize these types of concealment.”

Anyone with further information about drug trafficking in your neighbourhood is asking to contact the Surrey RCMP’s non-emergency number at 604-599-0502 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPs or www.solvecrime.ca.


Drunk Surinder Singh from Surrey smashes SUV into Attari border gate

Dawn/TNS

Amritsar/Lahore, November 16

A speeding sports utility vehicle (SUV), driven by a Canada-based NRI, crashed into the Wagah-Attari border gate early on Monday.

NRI Surinder Singh Kang was taken into custody by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel after he rammed his sport utility vehicle into the first gate around 3.30 a.m. and then drove to the next gate, about 800 metres ahead towards the international border. He then rammed his vehicle into the second gate.

The vehicle came to a stop after ramming into the Pakistani side of the border gate.

The incident raised caution among border officials, and led to the Punjab Rangers writing a letter to the Border Security Forces (BSF) seeking an inquiry into the incident, security sources said.

The crash left the gate at Attari “badly damaged” while the Wagah gate was partially damaged, witnesses at the site said.

The driver was arrested by BSF officials, while his SUV was confiscated by Pakistani officials after it breached into the Pakistani territory, sources said.

The vehicle was returned upon request of the BSF, they added.

Kang was allegedly drunk when he drove his SUV into the gate at Attari, crossed the Zero Line, and crashed into the gate at the Pakistani side.

He was questioned by security agencies and later handed over to the police. The NRI was booked under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other charges.

The NRI, aged around 50, holds Canadian citizenship and belongs to Nakodar area of Jalandhar district.

“All gates were closed at that time. It is a serious security breach that he managed to reach up to the zero line. The incident is being investigated,” a BSF officer posted in the area said.

The Attari-Wagah JCP is located 30 km from the Sikh holy city of Amritsar. Wagah, on the Pakistan side, is 20 km from the post.

(By arrangement with Dawn (Lahore) and with inputs from Tribune News Service)

Arman Singh Dhatt pleads guilty to gun and drug charges in case linked to Surrey shootings

BY JENNIFER SALTMAN,

A young man who was arrested during the investigation into a series of drug-related shootings in Surrey has pleaded guilty to a number of gun and drug charges.

Arman Singh Dhatt, 19, appeared in provincial court in Surrey on Tuesday morning to enter the pleas. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Dhatt pleaded guilty to charges of trafficking in a controlled substance, possessing a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, possessing a firearm with an altered serial number, possessing a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, possession for the purpose of trafficking and two breaches of an undertaking.

Most of the offences stem from a search warrant that was executed at his home in Delta on April 10, however the trafficking charge and one breach are from March 25.

Police seized guns, heroin, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and Canadian cash during the search of Dhatt’s home.

Police said Dhatt and others came to their attention during their investigation into a large number of shootings that have taken place in Surrey since March.

The gunplay is related to a low-level drug turf war between two groups of dial-a-dopers. One group already has control of the drug trade in the Newton area, and another group is attempting a takeover.

The most recent shooting that police have confirmed is related to the dispute took place in September.

The Province