Concerned about crime in your neighbourhood?
Here's a chance to sound off, and also learn a thing or two.
Surrey RCMP has rolled out its second series of neighbourhood safety meetings, starting Wednesday in Bridgeview.
These meetings provide residents with information on crime trends in their locale, as well as current policing initiatives. Bridgeview's meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. May 20 at Bridgeview elementary school. The following four meetings will be in Greenaway/Cowtown, same time, on May 21 at George Greenaway elementary; in Semiahmoo May 26 at Semiahmoo Secondary; in Bolivar Heights on May 27 at James Ardiel elementary; and in Chimney Heights on May 28 at Chimney Hill elementary.
The RCMP has committed to hosting 15 such meetings this year.
After a recent Surrey police committee meeting at city hall, Whalley Blockwatch captain Patricia Enair noted Surrey residents need "better services" from the city in understanding community needs.
"Every community is different, every community is distinct, and every community has their challenges. And so no one size fits all is going to fit for every single community.
"If you don't address the issues in the community, the community doesn't want to help you," she said. "They keep saying people aren't coming forward. Well, people aren't coming forward because they've been feeling abandoned for several years."
Obviously, the police, bylaws officers and city staff can best target crime particular to a neighbourhood if immediate residents tell them about their concerns.
Clearly, a golden way to help accomplish this is to attend your neighbourhood meeting, be a good listener, and speak your piece.
The Now