Shots fired in another suspected extortion-related Surrey crime

Police in Surrey are once again investigating what’s believed to be an extortion-related shooting.

The Surrey Police Service says officers responded to reports of gunfire in the area of 28 Avenue and 144 Street just before 4 a.m. Friday.

“Upon arrival, members located numerous shell casings on 28 Avenue,” said the SPS.

Police say it doesn’t appear that any homes were hit with bullets, and no one was reported injured.

“Investigators believe this incident is related to an ongoing extortion investigation.”

Mounties began investigating a series of targeted financial extortions in late 2023.

Victims have reported receiving threats, demanding large sums of money, sometimes followed by acts of violence or property damage if demands weren’t met.

In June, police in Surrey formed a special investigative team to look into extortion threats after receiving 10 reports of such incidents in the previous six months.

Between June and July, another nine cases were reported.

Since then, the B.C. government announced the launch of a public awareness campaign to address the threats.

The $100,000 campaign is designed to share information about recognizing and reporting extortion threats, which the government believes will help individuals, business owners, and families stay safe and informed.