Canada - Stay calm and carry on: Katz on gangs

OFF THE WIRE
GANG violence in Winnipeg is nothing new, Mayor Sam Katz said Wednesday in response to growing public awareness of the conflict between the organized criminal groups Hells Angels and Rock Machine.

The Winnipeg Police Service confirmed the so-called gang war on Tuesday, reassuring the public its gang unit and other officers are keeping a close eye on criminal groups.

On Wednesday, Katz said it's good the public is aware of the conflict but urged Winnipeggers not to fear a Montreal-style exchange of hostilities.

"We don't want to create panic," Katz told reporters outside his office. "Keep in mind, the WPS has done its job. They've taken gangs and basically put them out of business. When they're out of business, something new emerges and that's basically what's happening."

The mayor described the recent violence as a periodic escalation of hostilities between gangs.

"There's gang violence going on all the time. This isn't new," he said. "Quite often, it's lower key and you don't hear about it."

The city was justified in adding more officers to the police service and may consider adding more, the mayor said.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/stay-calm-and-carry-on-katz-on-gangs-125129524.html