Gang violence in Lower Mainland out of control, solution needed

Shootings and murder have been rampant during the first two months of the year, and so far March is no exception. The most recent of such recorded violence happened early this morning, where a man presumed to be linked to drug trafficking was murdered in a Surrey park. Another shooting resulting in death in the same area happened the previous Saturday. Spooked neighbours were concerned that their quiet, residential neighbourhood has seen two murders in six days.

There have been almost twenty fatal shootings in the last thirty days which have been linked to drug trade, gangs, or both. Something needs to be done about this spurr of gang violence before it becomes impossible to stop. It's not likely to be solved instantaneously, but a long term solution is needed. 

In a town hall meeting in south Vancouver, former gang member Jim Mandelin, now motivational speaker said "If you choke off the supply of gang members, I know what happens," while other speakers also said that more prevention needs to be in put in place in the form of education.

It's hard to tell wether or not education will be effective in the long term, but I think that it's the only viable solution we have at the moment, as jail time and even death seem to deter these criminals. We need to stop it where it starts and make sure gangs become a thing of the past.