LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO COMBAT BLOODY GANGS IN OUR REGION

Whatever the police choose to call it, we have a gang war in the
Lower Mainland. The latest murders on Granville Street are reported
to be the 18th and 19th gang-related killings this year in Metro Vancouver.

Innocent civilians have been among the victims -- notably two men
executed in cold blood for being "in the wrong place at the wrong
time" in Surrey two weeks ago.

And while it is too soon to panic, it is undeniable that the
community is troubled and uneasy.

We are not Detroit or Los Angeles. We are a community that prides
itself on its progressive, peaceful approach to sorting out disputes.
We are not used to the brazen carnage we have witnessed of late.
Indeed, until very recently, such a series of events would have been
almost unthinkable.

We have heard a great deal from various police forces about how they
have the problem under control. This is clearly not the case. The
present strategy isn't working.

Until we find one that does, the situation will get worse.

We believe a regional police force devoted to fighting major crime
across the Lower Mainland is an urgent consideration. Mere
"co-operation" among local forces, however well-intentioned, doesn't
cut it any more. Our gangsters have national, even international,
connections. And the more streamlined our law-enforcement agencies
are, the more effective they will be.

But it's not all about policing. Nervous residents need to talk about
what they can do.

Citizens acting as the eyes of the community can maintain an alert
for suspicious activity.

Most gang members are young. They have families whose clear duty is
to dissuade them from succumbing to the gang culture.

Most gang members are "known" to police. We need to be more proactive
in dealing with them. We must apply the full force of the law in all
its aspects: deportation as warranted; incarceration as applicable;
rehabilitation where possible.

Penalties for the possession of illegal weapons must provide a truly
credible deterrent. And we must get over our tendency to look for
excuses for those who opt for a life of crime.

Decriminalizing marijuana is not the answer. Gangs are making
millions from illegal substances, such as crystal meth, that no sane
citizen would want to legalize.

Finally, it's time to tell our politicians and judges that we've had
enough of gang crime -- and that we want those involved in it to
receive more than a slap on the wrist with a wet noodle.

We want action now.