The Keith Road double shooting was likely a “hunting” mission, probably connected to the mid-level drug trade, a senior investigator with the Integrated Gang Task Force told West Van community members last night at a crime symposium.

Inspector Ralph Pauw said most of the 52 gang-related homicides in the Lower Mainland this year fit the bill of “opportunistic crime” where dealers collect on drug debts or move in on one another’s territory.

“People can’t believe ‘This (shooting) happened in my neighbourhood,’” said Pauw, but added the crime may not be specifically linked to the quiet, leafy West Van neighbourhood that saw two men bleeding but alive on the road Sept. 15. He said once gang members stalk their targets, they strike when they have the opportunity, often regardless of the location.

“If it happens to be just up the street, that’s where they’ll deal with it.”

Pauw outlined common gang trends and behaviours for the crowd of about 25 people, many of them Block-Watch captains.

A proliferation in “grow rips” and drug heists have led to a spike in the use of armoured cars and bullet proof vests among street- and mid-level gangs. Pauw also said the B.C. marijuana trade with U.S. gangsters is sending back a steady stream of money, cocaine and guns.

“I’ve heard it’s (the marijuana trade) bigger than the forestry industry in B.C.”

Pauw said his unit also focuses on reaching young people before they join gangs. He showed an image of alleged Abbotsford crime boss Jamie Bacon’s takedown by armoured cops last spring.

“This is really the image that kids need to see. The glamour needs to be taken away from them (gangsters)” said Pauw. “There is no allure.”

WVPD’s new Chief Constable Peter Lepine addressed the group, outlining a six-month community consultation process before the West Van police “rejig ourselves.”

Lepine said although the high-profile cases – like the recent shootings on the Capilano Reserve and at Keith Road – require WVPD manpower, he also believes West Van should focus on community policing and “asset building.”

“You cannot arrest your way out of a problem,” said Lepine. “There aren’t enough jails, there aren’t enough judges, there aren’t enough police officers to make that problem go away.”

WVPD crime analyst Michelle Brander and VPD Sgt. Guy Draper of Crime Stoppers also made presentations at the crime symposium.

WVPD Cpl. Fred Harding announced that he will return to patrol duties after five years as the department’s community and media liaison. WVPD Cpl. Jag Johal will take his place.