(SEE UPDATE ON FRIDAY NIGHT)
ABBOTSFORD Police are warning that an ongoing conflict between two South Asian groups of males aged 15-25 in Abbotsford that has caused massive damage to homes and vehicles could result in serious injuries sooner or later.
Constable Ian MacDonald told The VOICE on Monday that there is, however, no gang involvement.
He said: “We have recommended assault charges against two young men but otherwise we are largely without cooperation.”
He said Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich is reaching out to the temples and community leaders to help in diffusing the situation.
Since May 11, there have been over 25 reported incidents involving conflict between two groups of youths and young adults in the area of West Abbotsford. Thousands of dollars damage has been done to homes and vehicles in a dispute involving males aged 15 to 25. The majority of persons involved are South Asian.
Although the bulk of these incidents involve property damage, the Abbotsford Police Department is extremely concerned that the continuing conflict will result in serious injuries to people directly involved in the dispute and / or their friends and families.
These incidents are predominantly taking place late at night and it appears that the conflict involves two groups comprised of 20 or more associates. There have been a small number of actual face-to-face confrontations between members of each group.
However, most of the activity to date has involved damage to homes or vehicles connected in some way to participants in the conflict. This includes property belonging to family and friends. It also appears that there is a pattern of incidents and retaliations over this two-month period.
This has become a significant public safety issue for Abbotsford. The Major Crime Unit of the Abbotsford Police Department is leading an investigation into the conflict. Anyone with information should contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225, text them at 222973 (abbypd) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
MacDonald said: “We also remind citizens of the importance of reporting suspicious activity, which could be connected to this conflict, to the APD immediately.”
– BY RATTAN MALL