THERE has been growing concern from the South Asian community as social media videos have gone viral, depicting people engaging in violent acts in the middle of the streets and parking lots in Brampton.
In a meeting on Sunday, the Superintendent of 22 Division spoke to the community and addressed their concerns.
He met with community partners and media representatives who attended the Brampton Youth Violence Town Hall and Panel Discussion, hosted by Ontario Gurdwara Committee and United Sikhs, regarding the recent incidents of violence involving Brampton youth.
“This forum here is outstanding, and I’m grateful that we have the opportunity to be a part of it,” said Superintendent Stephen Blom.
Blom reassured attendees that as soon as the incidents were reported and the videos were seen, Peel Regional Police had employed measures to deal with the lawless public behaviour.
He added that this is a priority for Peel Regional Police. “We have increased patrols using officers from our Neighbourhood Policing Unit, Uniform Patrol and our Community Mobilization Teams. The officers from these units have placed their focus on the locations that have been identified and will continue to do so. Investigators in our Criminal Investigation Bureau are working diligently to identify those involved.”
Blom said: “We need to teach our young people that these are not the ways to resolve conflicts, and we need to do that together. I’m well aware that policing is a huge part of the solution but it’s not all of it. We need your help.”
Chief Jennifer Evans urges the community to report any violent activity to police. She said: “I share the concerns of the community and want to assure the public that we are working diligently to identify those responsible for these violent acts. We are committed to keeping our community safe, but we cannot do it alone. We need the community to help us by calling police with any information that might help us find those responsible”.
Police urge the community to call 9-1-1 if they witness one of these incidents. Should you be concerned about being seen by the suspects, officers can meet you at another location.
If you know anything or receive any further information on this type of lawless behaviour, police encourage you to report it directly to 22 Division Criminal Investigators Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 2233. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.