The City of Surrey is taking urgent action against a dangerous extortion crisis that has local businesses living in fear. Mayor Brenda Locke has issued a stark warning about the escalating violence and is demanding immediate reinforcements from the provincial government.
"We are in a public safety emergency," Mayor Locke stated unequivocally. "The situation has reached a critical point where businesses are being systematically targeted by organized criminals."
The Growing Threat to Local Commerce
Surrey's business community has been under siege from sophisticated extortion networks that employ increasingly violent tactics. The crisis has evolved from threatening phone calls to physical violence and property damage, creating an atmosphere of terror among entrepreneurs.
Recent months have seen a disturbing escalation in brazen attacks, including arson and shootings targeting businesses that resist the criminals' demands. The pattern follows similar extortion schemes that have plagued other regions, now making their way into Surrey's commercial landscape.
Call for Immediate Reinforcement
The city's formal request for 150 additional RCMP officers represents one of the largest single personnel increases in recent memory. This substantial reinforcement would represent approximately a 20% boost to Surrey's current police complement of around 800 officers.
"We cannot wait for the transition to a municipal police force to address this crisis," Locke emphasized. "Our businesses need protection now, and our RCMP detachment needs these additional resources immediately."
Provincial Response and Next Steps
The request has been formally submitted to B.C.'s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth. The provincial government now faces pressure to respond quickly to what Surrey officials describe as an unprecedented public safety challenge.
Business associations across Surrey have voiced support for the city's position, describing the extortion crisis as potentially devastating to the local economy. Many business owners have reported paying thousands of dollars to criminals while living in constant fear of retaliation.
The coming weeks will be critical as provincial officials evaluate Surrey's request while local businesses continue operating under the shadow of organized crime.
