The city of Williams Lake is taking its call for stronger sentencing and monitoring of repeat offenders to the next level by launching an online survey.
“From what I’ve heard, it’s a problem across Canada, and we are going to need to take our concerns to the federal government,” Mayor Walt Cobb said Thursday. “When I watch the news from other communities, repeat offenders of all sorts are robbing convenience stores at gun point, using bats and everything else. It is known they are repeat offenders, but nothing’s happening and they are just getting out.”
The online survey is posted on the city’s website and contains four questions and the option to provide additional feedback:
Do you agree that repeat offenders for indictable offences such as theft over $5,000, break and enter, aggravated or sexual assault and murder should not be released while awaiting trial?
Do you support prolific and repeat offenders with in excess of 50 charges being released back into your community?
Do you agree that when repeat offenders are released on conditions or probation they should be required to wear an electronic monitoring device?
Do you agree there needs to be an inquiry and review into the judicial and sentencing?
Two weeks ago city council approved calling for an inquiry into the issue and has received endorsement from the Cariboo Regional District board.
“Our MP and MLA are in support and our MLA is considering putting in a private member’s bill,” Cobb said.
Read more: MLA’s CORNER: Public safety a must
“”We are looking for creative, positive reform to stop the repeat offenders from victimizing communities,” said councillor Scott Nelson in a news release issued by the city Friday. “Enough is enough. It’s time to address this serious issue.”
Now the city, through the survey, wants to gain more support and plans to send the survey to all municipalities and regional districts and is taking a resolution on the subject to the North Central Local Government Association AGM and Conference in May 2021.
Read more: Williams Lake calls for public inquiry into release of prolific offenders
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