Criminals in the Fraser Valley going to great lengths to hide their identity
Posted September 16, 2017 11:23 am.
Last Updated September 16, 2017 11:28 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – Don’t expect to see more surveillance cameras put up in Abbotsford to help cut down on ongoing gang violence. The cameras in some residential neighbourhoods haven’t proved as effective as police had hoped.
That’s for a few different reasons. Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich says not only are suspects wearing balaclavas or something to shield their faces but they’re also using stolen cars.
“There was a shooting in Chilliwack a month ago and there was a burning car under the Vedder Bridge. And this one we had in Abbotsford, the car was burning in Langley, so it’s a stolen car, stolen plates and they burn up the evidence within a few minutes of the shooting.”
Rich adds the cameras don’t always provide solid evidence, but they can help deter violence in some neighbourhoods. “They were always a preventative measure versus a really good investigative measure.” Police have over a dozen surveillance cameras set up on the west side of Abbotsford right now.
A couple of years ago, the force increased the number of cameras that were installed in the area of Townline Hill following a dangerous feud involving two groups of teens. The area was the scene of more than a dozen violence incidents including shootings, stabbings and homicides.
Every week, NEWS 1130‘s Tim James speaks with a local police chief about law enforcement and current events. If you have a question, e-mail tim.james@news1130.rogers.com or Tweet us with the #AskTheChief.
