Latest news with #TigePollock
Global News
a day ago
- Global News
Number of active extortion investigations in Surrey jumps to 26
Surrey police say the number of extortion cases they're investigating has nearly tripled since the start of June. The Surrey Police Service (SPS) launched its own dedicated counter-extortion team in early June. At the time, the SPS had 10 extortion files on the docket from this year; since then, the number has climbed to 26. SPS Sgt. Tige Pollock said the number doesn't represent a 'spike,' adding that some of the reports are for incidents that may not have happened recently. But he said it does suggest that victims are getting more comfortable talking to police. 4:36 Crime Stoppers taking tips from extortion victims 'There was a public forum that was held by some community members, the province has provided some money to Crime Stoppers for an extortion tip line, as well as Surrey Police Service has rolled out its own extortion investigation team,' he said. Story continues below advertisement 'I think these factors help in the public feeling comfortable coming forward, and when they understand that police are taking this seriously, then they feel comfortable to report.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Shootings and other violent incidents linked — or suspected of links — to extortion have rattled the Lower Mainland, and particularly the South Asian business community. 4:07 RCMP reveal few details about arrests made in Surrey extortion investigation In June, an Abbotsford man with no known criminal ties was gunned down in his Surrey office, further stoking fears. Earlier this month, RCMP announced it had arrested two Surrey residents in connection with firearms, arson and extortion-related offences, but no one has been charged. That has drawn frustration from some in the community who point to the arrest and charge of multiple people in Alberta and Ontario communities also plagued by extortionists. Story continues below advertisement In Edmonton, police held a town hall on Monday night, warning of a second wave of extortion cases and calling it a resurgence. Interim Chief of police Warren Driechel said the attacks in Edmonton had stopped after several suspects were arrested in 2024 in connection to about 40 extortions and arsons targeting affluent South Asian homebuilders and business owners. 1:55 B.C. government launches extortion awareness campaign But since May, he said six more similar cases have been reported, leading investigators to believe the attacks are back and that there may be more victims. The RCMP formed the National Coordination and Support Team (NCST) last year, with the goal of supporting extortion investigations across the country. Supt Adam MacIntosh, officer in charge of the NCST, said it is critical that victims report all extortion attempts to police, and that above all, they don't pay. Story continues below advertisement 'The fact that they (the extortions) are continuing supports that people are paying, and the reason for that is because the organized crime groups involved are making money, and they wouldn't be making money and it wouldn't be continuing if it wasn't lucrative,' he said. 'It's a scary position to be in as an individual, as a member of a family, to be facing threats. But we need people to understand that they need to overcome that fear and report to us what's occurring.' — with files from the Canadian Press
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Yahoo
3 injured in Surrey, B.C., shooting believed to be road rage related: police
Police in Surrey, B.C., say they are investigating a shooting in the Newton neighbourhood that injured three people early Tuesday morning, and is believed to be related to a road rage incident. The Surrey Police Service says four men were travelling eastbound on 84 Avenue near 140 Street around 1 a.m. when a white Tesla Model 3 with an Ontario licence plate pulled up next to their vehicle "and fired numerous shots at them." The three suspects in the Tesla fled, and the four victims were eventually transported to hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries related to gunshot wounds, according to police. Sgt. Tige Pollock told CBC that the victims said the shooting followed a road rage incident, though further details have not been verified. Pollock said police recommend drivers avoid situations in which another driver is angry or yelling. "If you feel you're in danger, call 911 and obviously don't follow any cars that have engaged with you in that sort of activity.... If you can, turn in the opposite direction of where the other vehicle is going [and] stop where it's safe." Pollock noted it's unusual for road rage to escalate to a shooting. "It's obviously not common, because obviously for this to transpire there had to be a firearm in the vehicle.... We certainly haven't seen a proliferation of this type of event." But it's still a worry. "Anytime someone's firing a firearm indiscriminately in the street is concerning for police, and it's obviously a public safety issue — even though it was 1 a.m. in the morning, you never know [if there are] people on sidewalks or other motorists." Police are asking anyone with information or video footage, including dashcam or CCTV, to call 604-599-0502 and quote file 2025-58724.
CBC
16-07-2025
- CBC
3 injured in Surrey, B.C., shooting believed to be road rage related: police
Police in Surrey, B.C., say they are investigating a shooting in the Newton neighbourhood that injured three people early Tuesday morning, and is believed to be related to a road rage incident. The Surrey Police Service says four men were travelling eastbound on 84 Avenue near 140 Street around 1 a.m. when a white Tesla Model 3 with an Ontario licence plate pulled up next to their vehicle "and fired numerous shots at them." The three suspects in the Tesla fled, and the four victims were eventually transported to hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries related to gunshot wounds, according to police. Sgt. Tige Pollock told CBC that the victims said the shooting followed a road rage incident, though further details have not been verified. Pollock said police recommend drivers avoid situations in which another driver is angry or yelling. "If you feel you're in danger, call 911 and obviously don't follow any cars that have engaged with you in that sort of activity.... If you can, turn in the opposite direction of where the other vehicle is going [and] stop where it's safe." Pollock noted it's unusual for road rage to escalate to a shooting. "It's obviously not common, because obviously for this to transpire there had to be a firearm in the vehicle.... We certainly haven't seen a proliferation of this type of event." But it's still a worry. "Anytime someone's firing a firearm indiscriminately in the street is concerning for police, and it's obviously a public safety issue — even though it was 1 a.m. in the morning, you never know [if there are] people on sidewalks or other motorists."
Vancouver Sun
27-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Residents rattled as police confirm shooting in Surrey neighbourhood early Sunday
Residents of a neighbourhood of Surrey say they've been left rattled by a shooting early Sunday that appeared to leave two bullet holes in a wrought iron fence in front of a mansion. Neighbours on Coulthard Road in Panorama Ridge said there were already safety concerns before the 3 a.m. shooting on Sunday because, days earlier, police had installed surveillance cameras mounted on a portable tower and parked a marked Surrey police SUV in front of the mansion. The surveillance camera and the unmanned SUV remained ay the house on Monday. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Surrey police confirmed it was investigating a shooting but provided few details. 'I can confirm that SPS is investigating a shooting in the Panorama Ridge neighbourhood. We will not comment on the location of any victims or witnesses due to privacy concerns,' Sgt. Tige Pollock said in an email. 'The matter is still under investigation. ' Surrey police did not answer follow-up questions about what prompted them to place the surveillance camera and SUV in front of the house. Postmedia was unable to reach the residents of the 7,000-square-foot home on Monday. A father walking his toddler in a stroller and his Labradoodle on Monday said he saw seven or eight police vehicles, and many officers swarming the property, the day before. There were about three or four dozen yellow, plastic evidence markers on the lawn outside the fence and two bullet holes, less than a metre apart, that had pierced the wrought iron fence. The father, who would only identify himself by his first name, Dalbir, said he hasn't heard anything official from the police about what happened, why they had installed the surveillance cameras and posted an unmanned police vehicle outside the property. 'It obviously didn't work,' he said. When he saw the police cars, he couldn't help but wonder: 'What's going on? Am I safe? Is my family safe? Is it safe to take my kid out for a walk?' He said the installation of the surveillance cameras and the presence of the police vehicle didn't make him feel any safer. 'If you're going to leave something out here as a statue, what good is it going to do?' he said. He said the lack of details about the shooting from police is worrying because he's not sure if it's because they don't want to alarm residents or because they don't know who's responsible. Another neighbour who didn't want to be identified said she saw police tow away at least five vehicles that had been on the property. They were later replaced by two Mercedes vans parked on the wide circular driveway, each bearing the name of a Surrey-based fashion business. Postmedia has left messages with the owner of the company. With files from Joseph Ruttle
