Morning crime forum in Cloverdale draws crowd

The April 15 meeting on crime and safety issues was co-hosted by the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and Surrey Board of Trade.

Members of Cloverdale's business community listen to panelists at a meeting on crime and safety issues co-hosted by the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and Surrey Board of Trade.

Members of Cloverdale's business community listen to panelists at a meeting on crime and safety issues co-hosted by the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and Surrey Board of Trade.

There was a full turnout to Tuesday’s crime breakfast in Cloverdale, co-hosted by the Surrey Board of Trade and the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce.

The April 15 meeting At the Sunrise Banquet and Conference Centre included panelists from the Surrey RCMP, the City of Surrey, and others, along with a question-and-answer period on crime and safety issues.

Better communication between the public and police is having a positive impact in District 4.

“Cloverdale, Clayton and Port Kells are all doing extremely well thanks to the effective sharing of information,” Surrey RCMP Chief Supt. Bill Fordy said,

Businesses and residents are encouraged to report anything suspicious to Surrey RCMP.

http://webpapersadmin.bcnewsgroup.com/portals/uploads/cloverdale/.DIR288/StaffSgtMartinBlais.jpgAnd last year, the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and the Cloverdale BIA launched a business alert called Heads Up!

The prompt email alerts are sent to neighbouring businesses, warning them of suspicious individuals operating in the area or incidents such as thefts and break-ins.

The reports also remind recipients to report any suspicious activity to police.

It’s hoped the program would provide Surrey RCMP with concrete data that will create a more complete picture.

“It is our community,” Staff Sgt. Martin Blais (pictured at left), Surrey South Zone Commander, said at the meeting. “We have the right to live peacefully.”Follow the Cloverdale Reporter on Twitter and Facebook. View our print edition online.

Cloverdale Reporter