New street gang in Kelowna?

[CRCP]

Member's posts follow:

[John Zeger]

The Daily Courier reports that a new gang by the name of the Kingpin Crew may have set up shop in Kelowna. The article states that "Like other criminal gangs, they earn their income through the drug trade, prostitution, money laundering and other crimes" and that "This town has a very lucrative market for that type of industry."

Yup, and the bigger we get, the more lucrative this market becomes. But, no doubt, some bright light will come along suggesting that we just grow our way out of the problem such as by erecting highrises in the area where these gangs do their business and, presto, this problem will disappear. Yeah, it'll disappear right into another neighbourhood.

[Rick Shea]

johnzeger said:

The Daily Courier reports that a new gang by the name of the Kingpin Crew may have set up shop in Kelowna. The article states that "Like other criminal gangs, they earn their income through the drug trade, prostitution, money laundering and other crimes" and that "This town has a very lucrative market for that type of industry."

Yup, and the bigger we get, the more lucrative this market becomes. But, no doubt, some bright light will come along suggesting that we just grow our way out of the problem such as by erecting highrises in the area where these gangs do their business and, presto, this problem will disappear. Yeah, it'll disappear right into another neighbourhood.

I had those exact same thoughts when I read the article in today's Courier. Kelowna really has arrived in the past year, with a Hells Angels chapter, more Independent Soldiers, and now this street gang moving in.

The new city slogan could be something like this:

Kelowna- a great place to do illegal business! Come and grow with us.

[Rick Shea]

Sent to the Kelowna Courier today:

Dear Sir:

A shiny new Hells Angels chapter. Independent Soldiers. And now, according to Tuesday's Courier, more Asian street gangs.

Congratulations Kelowna, you've become the cliché many have wished for.

You're "on the map." You're a desirable destination. You're a vibrant world class city.

For criminals.

Sincerely,

Rick Shea