Advocates are raising concerns about gangs recruiting youth, particularly those of South Asian heritage, in Surrey, B.C., following five shootings in the Lower Mainland since April 30. Manpreet Sarai, supervisor and educator with the anti-gang program at the South Asian Community Resource Office in Abbotsford, said anytime violence is reported in the community, parents worry their child "will be next." Usually the youth know before anyone else finds out in the community," she told CBC's Anita Bathe. A Wake Up Surrey rally against gang violence attracted about 3,000 people in 2019. Sarai said young South Asian males with developmental disabilities are at higher risk of being recruited into gang life.

Source: CBC News May 06, 2021 04:18 UTC