Shootings in Surrey have increased significantly in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to data from the Surrey Police Service. Most violent crimes, including extortions targeting Punjabi-Canadian business owners, have also risen.
There were 28 shots-fired incidents, excluding extortion-related shootings, as of the end of March — a 300 percent increase from seven in the same period of 2025. Extortion shootings are counted separately. By the end of March 2025, three extortions were reported; in the first three months of 2026, there were 75 — a 2,400 percent increase.
Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton of the Surrey Police Service noted that low base numbers can exaggerate percentage changes. As of Monday, 96 extortions were reported for 2026, 16 involving shootings with no injuries. A total of 51 individuals have been victims, with over half targeted multiple times.
Earlier this week, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke stated that shootings increased by 800 percent over the last year. Her office clarified that this referred to February statistics: two shots-fired incidents in February 2025 versus 19 in February 2026, an 850 percent increase.
SPS has not released April crime statistics, but Houghton said anecdotally the 300 percent increase in shots-fired incidents is now lower year-to-date. Other violent crimes have also risen: homicides increased from one to six, robberies from 92 to 114 (up 24 percent), and assaults from 775 to 933.
While extortion statistics remain high, the trend appears to be declining. In January 2026, 44 extortions were reported (10 with shootings); February had 17 (one shooting); March had 14 (three shootings); and April had 19 (two shootings).
