A B.C. municipal police force has announced it will be increasing its presence at local establishments to curb gang violence.
As of Thursday, Abbotsford Police Department’s gang crime unit will be regularly attending local establishments and increasing ID checks.
Const. Artur Stele says the move is being done to "bolster" public safety and ensure that patrons and staff do not fall victim to needless violence.
"With the commitment to making Abbotsford the safest city in B.C., [the gang crime unit] will seek out lawful contacts and take lawful measures to ensure our bars and restaurants remain a safe place to enjoy your time,” says Stele.
Officers will be increasing ID checks "to ensure underage consumption of alcohol is being focused upon during the visits."
The move is a proactive initiative and police officers do not plan to disrupt people.
"Enforcement will be focused on addressing persons who attend local establishments and are identified as being involved in the ongoing brutal and deadly B.C. gang conflict whose presence invokes an increased safety risk not only for patrons but also for staff and the public at large,” says Stele.
Police officers will act discretely and with full communication of the staff and management of the attended establishment.
The department wants people associated with B.C. gangs to "feel the heat" and be "aware that Abbotsford is not a community that tolerates gang activity."
