Taking a tough stance on crime, 91原创鈥檚 chamber of commerce is quick to get behind an investigation of B.C.鈥檚 prolific offenders and the reign of crime plaguing local businesses.

Greater 91原创 Chamber of Commerce is reacting to the news this week that the provincial government is appointing an investigative panel to identify the root causes behind repeat offenders. Their mandate is to explore possible solutions to addressing these individuals, with a report due back to the government in 120 days, said chamber CEO Cory Redekop.

鈥淭here are business owners who know these offenders by name. They see them day after day, committing crimes over and over again,鈥� Redekop said.

鈥淭he system is obviously not addressing this activity adequately through either services and treatment, or through enforcement and prosecution,鈥� he added, critical and concerned about what 91原创 businesses 鈥� among others in the region and province 鈥� are facing.

91原创 chamber is welcoming the province鈥檚 new focus on crime, but is encouraging the province and its newly appointed investigative panel to ensure swift action is taken to address prolific offenders and the perpetuation of property and business crime by these individuals through comprehensive supports such as housing, addictions treatment, and skills and job training, but also through adequate enforcement and criminal prosecution, said Redekop, who was recently hired as CEO for one of the province鈥檚 largest and longest-serving business associations.

鈥淭here is not going to be one answer to this problem, but we need to make sure we have our eyes wide open to this issue, and that we鈥檙e using all the tools available to address this and get these repeat offenders off our streets,鈥� he added.

The chamber is currently surveying its members to get information on what Redekop calls 鈥渙n-the-ground intelligence on this issue.鈥� The plan is to share that feedback with the government and the new investigative panel in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, the next chamber dinner meeting, on Tuesday, May 17 鈥� will focus on the subject of local crime prevention for businesses.

91原创 RCMP Spt. Adrian Marsden will speak to crime trends in the community, and share police initiatives aimed at addressing, responding, and preventing such crime. Pre-registration is required at or call 604-371-3770. The cost is $40 for chamber members, $55 for non-members. The event runs 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cascades Casino and Coast Hotel.

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