British Columbians Call for Urgent Action on Safety Concerns

Public Safety in Decline

Alright, listen up. We got ourselves another crisis brewing up north in British Columbia, and it ain’t pretty. A recent survey by Save our Streets (SOS) shows that public safety is taking a nosedive across the province. What’s the deal, you ask? Well, fifty-five percent of folks say criminal activity has shot up in their neck of the woods over the last four years. Now that’s something to get riled up about!

Distrust in the Justice System

Here’s the kicker: almost nine out of ten people believe crimes are going unreported. Why? Simple. They’re losing faith in the justice system. And, get this, 68% of them say it’s because they think the system’s a joke. Clint Mahlman, SOS chair, laid it bare when he chatted with BIV. “The decline in trust in the system is particularly alarming and should be addressed before it’s too late,” he said. Imagine living in a society where you can’t trust the law to have your back. That’s a tragedy waiting to happen.

Crime Impacting Quality of Life

It’s a doozy, folks. A massive 74% of survey participants ain’t thrilled about how crime and violence are messing with their quality of life. Half of them? They’re downright scared for their safety. And, 57% are shaking in their boots for their families. When people start thinking twice about stepping out the front door, you know it’s time to ring the alarm bells.

Businesses Taking a Hit

And it’s not just the locals feeling the heat. Businesses are experiencing vandalism, increased shoplifting, and even violence against staff. Two-thirds of participants have seen an uptick in shoplifting and random vandalism over the last three years. As Malhman put it, “Stores like the 7/11 on Pandora Avenue in Victoria closed down because of what we hear is the crime issue.” He’s not exaggerating, folks. Pandora Avenue had to shut because of the crime wave.

Impacts on Business in BC

Rising Costs and Frustration

Mahlman doesn’t mince words talking about the effects on business. He says crime’s making products more expensive, and 87% of respondents are hollering for governments at all levels to ramp up prevention. He adds, “We hear about businesses locking up because they cannot afford to conduct business anymore; they’re also afraid for their employees and customers’ safety.”

Rinse and Repeat Offenders

Then there’s the problem of repeat offenders. Clogging up police and court resources while businesses bear the brunt. “Local businesses are incredibly frustrated,” says Mahlman. “We’re talking 30, 50, repeat thefts. Multiply that by how many times they see it in other locations. It’s a mess.”

Government Responsibility

When it comes to pointing fingers, 40% place the blame on the provincial government. Meanwhile, 27% say it’s on the municipalities. As we roll into election season, politicians oughta take note. So, there you have it folks—a crystal-clear message from the people of British Columbia: Shape up or ship out!

Survey Details

To wrap it up in a bow, this survey of 1,200 British Columbians was conducted from September 9 to 12 by Research Co.. With a margin of error of 2.8 percentage points, these numbers are solid as a rock.

For more deets, reach out to [email protected].

So, what’s the takeaway? Things gotta change. Quickly. The safety and well-being of British Columbians depend on it. So let’s get to it before it’s too late!