Newton residents filled a local recreation centre Saturday afternoon to have their say about Surrey’s plans to reduce violent crime in the city.
On Friday, Surrey’s dedicated task force released their recommendations, including more officers, foot patrols, a bike squad and increased surveillance cameras.
The increased efforts to reduce crime come after the murder of Julie Paskall, who was attacked when she was picking her son up from hockey in December.
The crime shocked and outraged the community, sparking a call for change.
Newton Community Association spokesperson Doug Elford said conversation is needed to find a solution.
“We believe that when you bring change makers together with decision makers amazing things can happen. That’s why we’re here today,” he said.
Members of the community spoke out Saturday about changes they would like to see, including a crackdown on prostitution in the area.
The task force’s action plan includes technology involving: a shared database between police, fire and bylaws to identify and respond to high-risk and problematic properties; CCTV expansion program in three areas along with extending the capabilities to intersections entering and exiting the city and automated license plate readers.
“I want to assure the people of Surrey that we will continue to confront and disrupt criminal behaviour in our city,” Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts said. “We will be sending the message, as we always have, that criminals are not welcome here.”
With files from Geoff Hastings
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