Surrey's top cop says arrests aren't the solution

The Surrey RCMP will be hosting another community forum tonight toaddress the city's on-going battle with drugs and violence, with the message thatparents play a huge role in tackling the issue.

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"The long term solution is education, engagement, getting families on board," said RCMP assistant commissioner Bill Fordy.

Earlier this month, the Surrey RCMP arrested five people and seized 13 firearms in relation to a string of morethan 30 shootings in recent months.

"We will arrest the people who are involved in this, I am confident," he said. "What I am concerned about is next year and the year after that and after that."

Fordysays Monday night they will discuss with parentswhat draws young men to the gangster lifestyle, and educate them on early warning signs.

"Giving them strategies to prevent predominately their sons from entering the drug trade," he said. "Can't simply rely on the police to try to arrest their way out of the situation."

"The reasons why they are involved in the violence hasn't changed, it's the draw that these young men have in making easy money," he said.

The forum will be held at theBell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. PT.

With files from the CBC's The Early Edition andCatherine Rolfsen.

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