‘We are arresting repeat offenders’: Chief
While York Region continues to remain one of the safest communities in the country, the region has experienced a surge in violent crimes over the past few weeks, says York police. Including two homicides, a fatal arson, and a shooting which left a man with non-life-threatening injuries.
Speaking to a press conference to provide updates for each of the cases Wednesday morning, Chief Jim MacSween called the incidents “concerning and disappointing.”
“The gravity of these incidents will not be overlooked, and each case will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and those responsible will be held accountable,” Chief MacSween told members of the media at Headquarters in Aurora.
Chief MacSween said York Regional Police is “committed to maintaining the region’s status as one of the safest communities in Canada.”
In order to prevent violent crime wherever possible, York Regional Police is taking a number of proactive measures including increasing patrols in hot-spot areas across the region, working with the team of crime analysts and consulting with investigative leads to determine the most effective course of action.
Chief MacSween also reminded the community that public safety is a shared responsibility.
“It takes the dedication and diligence of everyone in the community. That means if you see something – say something,” he said.
Chief MacSween also called upon members of the criminal justice system to “do their part in keeping violent offenders where they belong – off the streets.”
“Each and every day our officers risk their own personal safety to remove these criminals from the streets, and yet, I am disappointed to report that in many of the violent incidents in our region, we are arresting repeat offenders,” Chief MacSween explained.
Chief MacSween said bail reform is necessary to “ensure justice is served and violent criminals are not freed to commit additional offences.”
“It’s not about politics – it’s about safety,” he said.
