Resto extortion war is “on hold”
A SPVM spokesman tells Daniel Renaud that the war of restaurant extortion gangs we saw over the summer has been put on hold since the Old Montreal fire on October 4 killed a woman and her daughter. Of course the cop takes credit here, but it seems cops also think such a killing attracted too much police and media attention, so the gangs are cooling it down for the moment.
Once again, the theory of chaotic gangs filling the void left by more organized crime is brought up, but there’s no clear answer. Styles in crime change over the years like everything else.
rob 12:39 on 2024-11-12 Permalink
Are the cops actually admitting that they didn’t do anything about the violent extortion until someone died? That’s their moment for action?
yasymbologist 12:40 on 2024-11-12 Permalink
If the SPVM keeps getting better at raking more budget in than containing street crimes, maybe one day local restaurant owners have to hire their private security guards. So at the end of the day we will see the new mafia resto filling the void of organized crime, and future waiters will ask if you also need a mirror after ordering a coke in a posh downtown restaurant.
Kate 13:27 on 2024-11-12 Permalink
rob, the SPVM were also stirred to action in 1995 when a biker bomb killed 11‑year‑old Daniel Desrochers, who was hit by shrapnel as he passed near a vehicle that exploded. So it wouldn’t be anything new.
Nicholas 16:18 on 2024-11-12 Permalink
Kate, I was going to mention the same case before I saw your comment. Plus ça change….