Surrey's top cop says arrests aren't the solution

The Surrey RCMP will be hosting another community forum tonight to address the city's on-going battle with drugs and violence, with the message that parents play a huge role in tackling the issue.

• Surrey shootings: where they took place — and when

"The long term solution is education, engagement, getting families on board," said RCMP assistant commissioner Bill Fordy.

Earlier this month, the Surrey RCMP arrested five people and seized 13 firearms in relation to a string of more than 30 shootings in recent months.

"We will arrest the people who are involved in this, I am confident," he said. "What I am concerned about is next year and the year after that and after that." 

Fordy says Monday night they will discuss with parents what draws young men to the gangster lifestyle, and educate them on early warning signs.

"Giving them strategies to prevent — predominately their sons — from entering the drug trade," he said. "Can't simply rely on the police to try to arrest their way out of the situation."

"The reasons why they are involved in the violence hasn't changed, it's the draw that these young men have in making easy money," he said. 

The forum will be held at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. PT. 

With files from the CBC's The Early Edition and Catherine Rolfsen.

To hear the full story listen to the audio labelled: Surrey's top cop says arrests aren't the solution