Culture

Vancouver police expell gangsters from restaurants

by jessica.lam | July 18, 2008 at 08:32 am

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Minding our own business is what most people do best - and some might prefer it that way. But when it comes to gangs and their business, it looks like the Vancouver police are making it known and actively expelling gangsters from their local food joint.

How safe do you feel in your own city? Do you think that this would help prevent gang violence?

Starting immediately, uniformed and plainclothes police will routinely patrol restaurants to kick out known criminals.

The Restaurant Watch program is similar to the bar patrols police already do to weed out undesirables, Supt. Warren Lemcke said.

"It is to send a clear message to people involved in organized crime and gang activity they are no longer welcome," said Lemcke.

About 40 restaurants will display signs indicating they are part of the program.

Lemcke insisted there will be no violation of anyone's rights.

"The program is focusing on gang members, gang associates, drug dealers and people with a history of violence," said Lemcke.

"I don't know where they will go, but it won't be in Vancouver. They are not welcome here."