Police in Port Moody have issued an extraordinary warning to the public about the risk of associating with a new area resident.
Insp. Andy Richards says Jonathon Bacon, the eldest of a trio of gangster brothers, has been living in the area for about two months and associating with him comes with a risk.
"The Bacons have a long history of violence, a recent history of violence and being involved in shootings and our concern is that while they're residing in Port Moody they might be a target in our community and there could be some damage and harm caused to our community," said Richards.
Richards says Jonathon's move into the neighbourhood has brought with him threats against the lives of himself and his younger brothers, Abbotsford residents Jamie and Jarrod.
All of the brothers face a series of gun and drug-related charges. They're out on bail, but police believe they pose such a threat to public safety they are monitoring them 24/7.
CTV News spoke to one of the brothers, who says police are acting on rumours.
"You guys are making up stories and we'll have our day in court," he told CTV by phone from Abbotsford.
Police are asking businesses not to serve the Bacons and to call if they have any problems, but they haven't released any photos to the public.
Port Moody isn't the only community taking tough measures to deal with the notorious brothers.
In response to three targeted shootings in the past two weeks -- including one that targeted Jamie Bacon -- Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich says police are doing everything to keep the trio under surveillance, including convincing one company to revoke car leases for the brothers.
At a public meeting in Abbotsford Monday night, Rich and Mayor George Peary also encouraged local businesses to refuse service to any known gangsters.
"The sharks are circling. They have been allowed to get away with stuff for far too long -- they really are circling," said Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich.
But Rich says the police can only do so much to stop gang crime.
"The sad part is the police won't be the ones there when the ends arise -- the other gang members will be. They have entered into a lifestyle that has only one ending. That's what's happening."
