Surrey, B.C., sees a surge in extortion-related shootings, with residents allegedly firing back. Police urge caution as investigations continue.
Extortion-Linked Shootings Rock Surrey Homes
Surrey, B.C., is grappling with a troubling surge in extortion-related shootings. In a shocking incident on Saturday, residents of a home on Galway Crescent reportedly fired back after being targeted. Luckily, no one was hurt, but police are warning that taking the law into your own hands can have deadly consequences.
Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton of the Surrey Police Service (SPS) stressed that while residents may feel threatened, self-defense with firearms carries serious risks. “Even if you think you’re protecting yourself, you could end up injuring or killing an innocent person,” Houghton said. “That’s a nightmare scenario nobody wants.”
Another Shooting Hits Local Business
The wave of violence didn’t stop at homes. Early Monday, a business near 193rd Street and Langley Bypass was reportedly shot at, again in an extortion-related incident. Police confirmed no injuries, but the frequency of these attacks is alarming.
Houghton noted that 34 extortion cases have already been reported in Surrey during the first 19 days of 2026. “These incidents aren’t slowing down just because a new year has begun,” he said. “It’s clear this trend will continue—not just in Surrey, but across the Lower Mainland and beyond.”
Surge in Extortion Cases Across Surrey
Last year, Surrey police recorded 132 extortion attempts, with 49 involving shootings. So far in 2026, seven confirmed extortion-linked shootings have occurred, though thankfully none have been fatal.
The ongoing violence is hitting B.C.’s South Asian community particularly hard. To combat the trend, authorities have launched a public tip line and a reward fund to encourage witnesses to come forward with information.
B.C. Premier David Eby recently said the province’s extortion task force would update the public on measures being taken to curb these violent incidents.
Police Urge Community Cooperation
SPS is calling on anyone with information to step forward. “We know there are people who can help us solve these cases,” Houghton said. “Your cooperation could prevent future attacks and keep the community safe.”
With the first weeks of 2026 already marked by multiple shootings, authorities and residents alike are on high alert. Police continue to investigate each incident while urging calm and caution, reminding the public that vigilantism is never the solution.
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