Editor: As we all are aware, we have a serious drug and homelessness problem in the City of Langley.
This summer has been full of drug activity in Douglas Park and, unfortunately, the City and the RCMP have not impacted the drug users dealers and prostitution activity.
I am very concerned that this activity is taking place so close to an elementary school. It is truly beyond any rational thinking that this activity continues without any type of intervention.
As a citizen of Langley City I have made many calls to the RCMP and City officials with my concerns, along with others in this community.
On Aug. 28 the annual movie in the park was held and it was good to see families enjoying this event.
Unfortunately, there were some that choose to use this event like it was their private party — drinking alcohol and urinating in public view, with no regard or respect for the families that attended.
A fellow citizen called the RCMP and to my knowledge there was one arrest.
We all stood and watched, to our surprise, as the other individual was let go by the RCMP.
To top it off, he uses a powered vehicle to get around.
I approached the officer after their business was concluded to ask why that individual was set free, intoxicated on a powered vehicle.
The constable immediately got his back up and asked what business it was of mine.
I explained that we have a lot issues and crime taking place at Douglas Park.
The constable replied, “What’s your point?”
I proceeded, saying I thought operating a powered vehicle while intoxicated was against the law. Again the constable’s reply was, “What’s your point?”
At that moment I decided as a citizen and tax payer in this community this attitude was in no way justified.
I have met with many from the RCMP who are courteous and deserve our respect.
Unfortunately, it’s a constable like the one I encountered that night that paints a bad picture, and truly that type of attitude does not belong in our community when they need us as much as we need them to take a bite out of crime in Langley City.
I would also like to know, given the issues at the park, why there was no security or, for that matter, a constable assigned to this event.
John Woodward,
Langley