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“We must assume that these men continue to be targets and, as such, we are advising the public to be cautious of any interaction with these five individuals,” McDonald said.

He said their friends, associates and relatives may not understand how serious the problem is and he is hoping the public warning will make the risk clear to them.

McDonald said there have been 27 shootings in Surrey so far this year — down 47 per cent from the same period last year.

But in July alone, there were six shootings and no cooperation from victims.

“I know the residents of this city are frustrated. I hear your concerns and I share your frustration,” McDonald said. “However I want you to know that we are making headway and we are aware of a number of people who are involved.”

He said police will keep the pressure on the suspects in the violence until it stops.

Surrey RCMP is working with the anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, he said.

Asst. Commissioner Kevin Hackett, who heads the CFSEU, attended the news conference.

McDonald said the shooters are often lying in wait and therefore sitting suspiciously in idling vehicles.

He urged the public to be vigilant and call 911 if they see any suspicious activity.

McDonald wouldn’t provide details of the groups that are currently in conflict, but said they are involved in the Lower Mainland drug trade.

“These investigations are particularly challenging for police with victims who do not want to cooperate even though they know the identity of the suspects,” he said. “These investigations are complex and require many investigative steps to obtain proper evidence for arrests and successful prosecutions.”