GOOD DAY FOR THE GOOD GUYS: KWINTER

Police Encourage Malvern Area Residents To Enjoy Community

Senior Toronto police officers met with Malvern residents Wednesday night
following a string of raids aimed at a Scarborough gang that led to 500
charges against 65 people.

"We have hopefully dismantled a violent street gang, but I must caution you
that we have also created a void in the criminal underworld and that there
will be those rushing to fill that void, 42 Division Supt. Tony Warr told
about 100 people at Lester B. Pearson Collegiate Institute on Tapscott
Road. "Our job now, yours and ours together, is to ensure that the void we
have created is filled by good, honest, hardworking members of the community."

Warr encouraged people "to get out there and use the parks, playgrounds and
other public areas."

Project Impact, the largest anti-gang operation in Toronto, focused on the
so-called Malvern Crew.

"I feel more comfortable in my neighbourhood now," said local resident
Angela Frank after the meeting.

"I wouldn't let my son go out at night alone. I felt very uneasy because
there were shootings so close to home. It's a bit of a relief."

Raisha Senior Pinnock said she wants to see a greater police presence in
the neighbourhood. "I definitely want to see more foot patrols," she said.
"I want officers to get to know the community."

Basil Miller, a pastor at a several Scarborough churches, said the
community is safer. "The police have to continue to be vigilant. We need to
keep the hope alive."

Ward 37 Councillor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre) said gang members
have contacted his office looking for help. "They provided information,
which was passed on to the police. Some of them are seeking to turn their
lives around," he said.

"They are afraid. They are coming forward. They are tired of the violence."

Fay Honigan alleged she was mistreated when police raided her home. "The
police kicked my doors down. They said they are looking for guns and drugs.
They said they are looking for my son," she told The Scarborough Mirror.
"My grandchildren, my daughter and her husband were traumatized."

Residents were encouraged to fill out a survey that police said would
enable them to understand community concerns.