RICHMOND RCMP announced on Tuesday that their officers from the Organized Crime Unit will be partnering with General Duty patrol members to conduct proactive gang patrols throughout the City of Richmond. These patrols will be focussed on potential areas being frequented by gang members.

This initiative is aimed at deterring gangs from using Richmond as a “hangout” or “place to do business”. It also serves to enhance the investigative and intelligence based operations already in place.

As part of the initiative, Richmond RCMP will be conducting outreach at locations where these individuals may be attending. Part of this outreach will include partnering with businesses to assist in deterring gang members and their associates from frequenting Richmond establishments.

“We recognize that no municipality, including Richmond, is immune from the impact of gangs and organized crime. As such we are implementing measures that actively target those individuals associated to these gangs,” said Superintendent Will Ng. “These gang members and their associates show zero regard for the safety of our good citizens. As police, our first priority is public safety. To assist in protecting the citizens of Richmond, we will be targeting the local hangouts of gang members and their associates.”

While injuries to innocent bystanders are a rare occurrence, Richmond RCMP said they recognize the potential risk gang members and their associates pose to the public when disputes erupt. This initiative has been put in place by them as a proactive, preventative measure aimed at increasing overall public safety and disrupting the day-to-day movements of gang members and their associates.

Anyone with information pertaining to potential areas or businesses possibly being frequented by suspected gang members or their associates can contact the Richmond RCMP Organized Crime Unit by calling 604-207-4851. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.