New unit to combat gang violence [ Durham Region]

DURHAM -- A newly-formed unit aims to stop gang violence in Durham before it starts by enlisting community members to assist police officers.

Inspector Bruce Townley, leader of the Durham Region Anti Violence Strategy (DRAVIS), said it's commonly assumed that gang influence is spreading from Toronto to Durham. That's why it is essential the Durham police service work with the community to counter the spread of crime, he said.

"Sooner or later we're going to see more of a problem," Insp. Townley said. "These people are migrating into our area.

"Gangsters, like other criminals, will go where there's less resistance."

Durham cops are reluctant to cite numbers in discussing gang infiltration. But a report to regional council in the fall of 2006 identified 32 gangs of varying size and influence across the region, with those based in Pickering and Ajax most closely associated with the notorious criminal organizations based in Toronto.

The Criminal Code defines a gang as an association of three or more individuals engaged in criminal enterprise; that definition could encompass anything from the Hells Angels to the Crips to a bunch of neighbourhood kids.

It is the goal of DRAVIS to both combat existing criminal groups and prevent them from strengthening footholds here in Durham and recruiting new young members, Insp. Townley said.

To do that, the new unit is focusing on two methods of operation, the first being a guns and gangs rapid response team that will investigate gang-related crimes.

In addition, Durham police are trying to engage the community in the fight. Officers with the unit will literally be knocking on doors in neighbourhoods, introducing themselves and their mission and seeking assistance and information from residents.

Intelligence that's already been gathered will help cops concentrate on areas most at risk of gang activity, Insp. Townley said. The goal, he said, is to target gang members and activity and clamp down before violence erupts.

"A five-minute door knock could save weeks of work down the road," he said.

Another member of the team, Staff Sergeant Joe Maiorano, said engaging the public will be essential to the success of the program, which ultimately will be measured in lower crime rates as opposed to arrests.

"Community involvement is critical," he said.

"At the end of the day it's about having an impact on the community -- building trust, building relationships."

The 32-member team is funded by more than $500,000 in provincial money dedicated to countering gang violence.

Members of the public can provide information to the DRAVIS program by calling 905-721-4262 or e-mailing dravis@drps.ca.

Youthful Gangs in Our City and Surrounding Communities

Akiel Eubank, 21 “extremely well known to the Toronto police service as an active gang member,” And, an eleven year old boy is dead.
It was supposed to end with Jane Creba. Then. last year another kid was killed by more street cowards.
This idiot country is supposed to have anti-gang laws. Yet, there are over 800 known, extremely violent gangs operating across Canada... in full view of police. Yet, innocent kids continue to die.
This creep, "refused to co-operate with police. Then why in hell are we even patching him up. Let the bastard die of his wounds. Or, when he's better... boot him and his entire family out of the country.
It's time we start taking back the streets. It's time we apply some good ole street justice on these creeps and cowards who, without guns, are just useless trash. And, the only thing you do with treash is eliminate it!!!
Obviously our politicians, starting with Stockwell Day and the federal "justice" minister, then all the provincial goof-offs have no intention to move their butts except to make silly stupid statements of horror each and every time their ineptitude results in another death.
1) Cut back on immigration and refugee importation of the kind of garbage we've attracted over the last twenty five years.
2) When one of these scum commits a serious offense, they go right back home... WITH THEIR ENTIRE FAMILY. Believe me, the families will keep these creeps in line.
3) Enact the anti gang laws. Round them up immediately. Disrupt and destroy. And, if we have to shoot a few of them, hell it's better than what we have now where they are shooting us!!!
4) Any politician up for re-election either supports a total ban on hand guns and an immediate crackdown on these gangs or DON'T VOTE FOR THE JERK!
What you see on our streets is our own fault. We accept the crap the government officials hand us and promise us but don't do a damned thing once we elect them.
SEND THEM A MESSAGE. Make you next vote count. They either support us or they don't get elected ! I'm open to your anger. My vote can be Bought (Yeh! Right!). Yours is!