THE Terrace RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, the Terrace Downtown Improvement Area, the City of Terrace, and the Terrace Restorative Justice Society are working closely together on a solution to stop the graffiti vandalism that has plagued Terrace, most notably during the Easter weekend, and hold those responsible accountable.

It is extremely important for us to work with the community on an approach to stop graffiti so that it will be a meaningful and lasting solution, says Cst James Lauriault, Terrace Crime Reduction Unit.

The Terrace RCMP Crime Reduction Unit has identified seven males that were responsible for most of the graffiti. Six boys ages 14, 16, 16, 16, 17, and a 22 yr old man have take responsibility for their actions and have agreed to take part in a Community Justice Forum. This Forum will be organized by a trained facilitator from the Terrace Restorative Justice Society.

Restorative Justice seeks to create just outcomes by repairing the harm caused by crime and violence. This happens through facilitating a process that addresses victims’ needs and holds offenders meaningfully accountable for their actions. In this approach, crime is understood not only as breaking the law, but as a violation of people and relationships and a disruption of the peace in a community. In a restorative justice process, offenders must first accept responsibility for their role in an offence and the harm they have caused. Victims must also voluntarily choose to participate. Communities or community members are often actively involved in the process as interested stakeholders, supporters, or facilitators, explains Sandy Pringle, coordinator for the Terrace Restorative Justice Society.

Charges of mischief are being forwarded on a 17 yr old boy, the seventh person that police identified during the course of their investigation.

If you have information about this crime contact the Terrace RCMP at (250)638-7400 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-800-222-TIPS, online at www.terracecrimestoppers.ca or by texting TERRACE plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). If your information leads to an arrest you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.

Terrace Standard