Surrey mayor says it's 'frightening' gang prevention programs are needed in elementary schools

Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner got a stunning reality check at Monday’s Anti-Gang Task Force meeting.

She was told gang prevention programs need to target students long before they get to high school.

“We have to look at whether or not our programs — I think the majority start around Grade 7 â€” are too late,” Hepner said.

“I think we have to get there sooner.”

Harsh reality

Hepner’s comments followed a sobering presentation by SFU criminologist Evan McCuish, who has done