durhamregion.com This Week | |Thursday, August 11, 2022 | 12 A sustained pattern of gun violence has resulted in multiple deaths and injuries during the first half of 2022 in Durham Region. And statistics confirm what residents may have already concluded on their own: gun violence is a persistent and growing problem. While the number of actual shootings between January and the end of May 2022 is down slightly from previous years, the number of injuries and deaths is on the rise, according to statistics compiled by Durham Regional Police. In a recent interview, Deputy Chief Dean Bertrim said the statistics are part of a Canada-wide increase in gun violence. "There obviously is an increase in gun violence within Durham Region and, as you can see throughout the GTA and Canada, and even the world," Betrim said. Police have investigated 17 shootings so far in Durham in 2022. That's a slight decrease from the same period in 2021, when there were 19 such incidents by mid-year. The first half of 2020 saw 19 shootings as well. But 2022's incidents are taking a high toll on victims, the deputy chief said. "We've actually had 13 civilians that have been injured by shots being fired compared to six in 2021 and six in 2020 as well. That's a substantial increase of roughly 117 per cent. The more concerning one, obviously, is deaths that have occurred from gunshots," Bertrim said. "This year, we've had five of our homicides relate to deaths through guns compared to last year -- 2021 -- of one, and zero in 2020, year to date. That obviously is extremely concerning to us. Throughout the GTA, it's extremely concerning to all our policing partners." In the first several months of 2022, several high-profile shooting incidents have occurred in the region, including: • An outburst of gunfire at an Oshawa bar just after midnight June 25 that killed two men -- Joshua Connell-Wong, 22, of Oshawa and 21-year-old Jaheim Spence of Toronto -- and left another three injured. No arrests have been made. • The Jan. 21 murder of 57- year-old taxi driver Michael Ryan, killed in a daytime shooting in the area of Central Park Boulevard and King Street East in Oshawa. A 31-year-old man is charged with second-degree murder. • The May 19 killing of Arawin Sapesan, 20, of Pickering, who was found to have sustained a gunshot wound after crashing his car in the area of Brock and Taunton Roads. • The April 13 shooting of a 19-year-old woman in south Oshawa. A 17-year-old male has been charged with attempted murder. Those are just a few examples of the gun violence witnessed during the first half of the year in the region. And while such stories attract attention because of the death and injury they cause, there are many other incidents that are of a lower profile but concerning nonetheless, said Bertrim. "We get reported incidents where shots are heard but we can't find any physical evidence of firearms discharge -- and we had, like, three of those this year," he said. "We also had seven other incidents where we actually found casings but no indication gun shots were heard -- kind of the opposite." A high number of guns confirmed to be linked to crime here have come to Canada from the United States, where less stringent laws have resulted in a high number of firearms going into circulation, Betrim said. "Specifically in Durham I can tell you in 2021 that the percentage of the crime guns we seized was just over 70 per cent -- 71 per cent, so still extremely high. And in the GTA, our partners are very consistent with 70-plus and even 80 and 85 per cent through Toronto and Peel," he said. "The majority of them are coming through the border." Bertrim said a broad approach, including support from government, ongoing enforcement efforts by police and work by community agencies aimed at curbing youth crime and gang activity are needed to combat rising gun violence trends. "It's not just money going to the police services but also for community projects to combat violence. We need to start with our children and hopefully pivot them from being involved in gangs and so on," he said. "We can't forget about enforcement; it's paramount, because we have to get these traffickers, these smugglers and gang members that are actually shooting one another. But we also have to start at the beginning and say can we curb some of these vulnerable persons and prevent them from entering a criminal lifestyle." DEATHS, INJURIES LINKED TO SHOOTINGS RISE IN DURHAM JEFF MITCHELL jmitchell@durhamregion.com NEWS Durham police Deputy Chief Dean Bertrim, seen here speaking to a resident, confirms the number of people killed and injured in shootings was on the rise during the first half of 2022. Colin Williamson photo Durham Regional Police are urging golfers not to tee it up for thieves by leaving valuables in their vehicles. The police service posted a tweet telling golfers they should put valuables, such as wallets, purses and cellphones, in their golf bags before playing a round. Durham police spokesperson Const. George Tudos said the police have seen an increase in thefts from vehicles at golf courses this season. The North Division has seen more than a dozen thefts so far this season. "It's a sunny day and you're out on the links trying to get a hole in one when someone breaks into your vehicle and steal all your valuables," Tudos said. "Durham Regional Police have seen an increase in these types of thefts throughout Durham Region and the GTA." He noted, "Thefts have been smashing windows, stealing valuables, electronics, including wallets and even in some cases, stealing bank account information." He said people should take their valuables with them. "Thieves will not be giving you a mulligan. Be safe," Tudos said. DON'T LEAVE VALUABLES IN CAR WHEN GOLFING, DURHAM POLICE URGE Durham Regional Police are urging golfers not to tee it up for thieves by leaving valuables in their vehicles. DRPS Twitter photo