All British Columbians deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods. Investments in the provincial anti-gang strategy, community safety and policing have been successful in driving down
crime in B.C. – with youth and violent crime at historical lows – but more needs to be done.

A $5-million investment over the next two years to enhance community safety will build on that success by addressing three priority areas:

* Targeting prolific, violent and gang-affiliated offenders.
* Getting tough on the roots of crime through education and outreach.
* Strengthening safety for First Nation communities and vulnerable women.

“Our Guns and Gangs strategy is making progress in shutting down gang activity throughout B.C. – it has provided police with tools to help them investigate, charge and disrupt gangs,” said Premier Christy Clark
at the 2015 Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention. “But violence continues to confront us, so we must do more to protect innocent bystanders and other victims of gang violence. That’s why we are investing an additional $5 million on behalf of British Columbians.”

As this investment rolls out over the next two years, some of the specific programs the Province is exploring include a gang-exit program, increased investments in education and outreach projects  focused on at-risk and Aboriginal youth, and community-focused crime prevention