The Persistent Dark Cloud of Lax Security
He is a great family man, a gentle soul, and loved by all who know him. When he left his home one-day last week, after spending some time playing with his grandchildren and heading to the jewelry store he manages in the GTA, he never thought what kind of terror and hurt he would face that day.
On that day in the evening, while the store was getting ready to close its doors for the day, waiting for the last customer who was purchasing a gift for his loved one, and the employees were looking forward to going home to their families, kissing their children before they went to bed, the store’s usual tranquility was shattered.
Four masked figures burst through the doors, their aggressive presence instantly transforming the peaceful ambiance into one of terror and chaos. The masked assailants waved weapons, barking orders, destroying glass displays, and demanding valuables. Our store manager, hoping to calm the situation, instead became their primary target.
The attackers showed no mercy. He was viciously beaten and fell on the floor with his face covered in blood. Employees and the customers cowered in fear, some sobbing, others frozen in shock. The thieves vandalized the store, stuffing jewelry into bags before fleeing, leaving a trail of devastation.
The store manager was rushed to a nearby hospital. Though his physical injuries were not life-threatening, the trauma ran deep, knowing that wounds would heal. Still, the emotional scars would linger far longer.
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Similar attacks became increasingly frequent, along with other crimes such as car theft, homebreaking, and homicide, which ignited fierce debates about the adequacy of law enforcement resources. Critics argue that despite the dedication of the police force, they are underfunded and understaffed. Rapid population growth, including an influx of new immigrants, has stretched resources thin.
We trust our police force and their dedication and that they’re doing their best with what they have. But the reality is they need more funding to ensure our police can protect our community effectively.
Some concerns always surface about the screening process for new immigrants. While Canada is known for its welcoming nature, some have argued for stricter measures to prevent individuals with criminal intentions from entering the country. We are a welcoming country, and our economy partially depends on immigration.
Laws, the Charter of Rights, and our human rights should prioritize our safety and well-being rather than consider other factors that allow criminals to terrorize citizens. For the sake of sustaining our economic stability and prosperity, we first need to live without fear.
