SURREY — A community group is planning to stage an "awareness rally" next Sunday afternoon with crime being the hot topic after the city recorded its 12th homicide of the year this weekend.
"We've just had enough - it's time for us to take back our Surrey," said Darlene Bowyer, an organizer. "We're not happy with the crime stats and the infrastructure not keeping up with the pace of development."
A man was shot just after midnight Saturday in what police believe was a targeted homicide in the 14500-block of 83A Avenue. The victim reportedly was driving a pickup truck when he was shot. At the scene, a blue tarp covered the truck, which was on a front lawn.
A man was also arrested this weekend in connection with the homicide of 17-year-old Serena Vermeersch of Surrey. Surrey Search and Rescue found her body last Tuesday, near railway tracks in the 14600-block of 66th Avenue.
Police said they won't release his name on account of a publication ban.
Vermeersch's facebook page is drawing comments from concerned citizens.
"Prayin for your parents! RIP!" said one.
"Why is there such a war on women in society?" reads another.
"May their hearts be mended with beautiful memories of their daughter."
Bowyer, co-coordinator of the Surrey Association of Sustainable Communities, said her group hopes to draw a crowd at Sunday's "Take Back Surrey - Rally 4 Change."
The rally is not connected to any civic election campaign, she said.
"It's a grass roots campaign."
The location has yet to be confirmed.
tzytaruk@thenownewspaper