Pubdate: Fri, 14 May 2004
Source: Scarborough Mirror, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 The Scarborough Mirror
Contact:  http://www.insidetoronto.ca/to/scarborough/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2198
Author: Andrew Palamarchuk
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids)

GOOD DAY FOR THE GOOD GUYS: KWINTER

Police Encourage Malvern Area Residents To Enjoy Community

Senior Toronto police officers met with Malvern residents Wednesday night 
following a string of raids aimed at a Scarborough gang that led to 500 
charges against 65 people.

"We have hopefully dismantled a violent street gang, but I must caution you 
that we have also created a void in the criminal underworld and that there 
will be those rushing to fill that void, 42 Division Supt. Tony Warr told 
about 100 people at Lester B. Pearson Collegiate Institute on Tapscott 
Road. "Our job now, yours and ours together, is to ensure that the void we 
have created is filled by good, honest, hardworking members of the community."

Warr encouraged people "to get out there and use the parks, playgrounds and 
other public areas."

Project Impact, the largest anti-gang operation in Toronto, focused on the 
so-called Malvern Crew.

"I feel more comfortable in my neighbourhood now," said local resident 
Angela Frank after the meeting.

"I wouldn't let my son go out at night alone. I felt very uneasy because 
there were shootings so close to home. It's a bit of a relief."

Raisha Senior Pinnock said she wants to see a greater police presence in 
the neighbourhood. "I definitely want to see more foot patrols," she said. 
"I want officers to get to know the community."

Basil Miller, a pastor at a several Scarborough churches, said the 
community is safer. "The police have to continue to be vigilant. We need to 
keep the hope alive."

Ward 37 Councillor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre) said gang members 
have contacted his office looking for help. "They provided information, 
which was passed on to the police. Some of them are seeking to turn their 
lives around," he said.

"They are afraid. They are coming forward. They are tired of the violence."

Fay Honigan alleged she was mistreated when police raided her home. "The 
police kicked my doors down. They said they are looking for guns and drugs. 
They said they are looking for my son," she told The Scarborough Mirror. 
"My grandchildren, my daughter and her husband were traumatized."

Residents were encouraged to fill out a survey that police said would 
enable them to understand community concerns.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom