Surrey, B.C.: On the heels of an RCMP warning regarding a convicted sex offender in Surrey, Surrey First is calling on the federal government to give tougher sentences and conditions to repeat, high-risk, sex offenders.
“The safety of Surrey residents should always trump those of a convicted sex offender,” said Surrey First Mayor Dianne Watts. “Eight months ago, this man was deemed such a high-risk to reoffend that he was denied early release. We need stricter policies for these types of criminals.”
RCMP issued the warning in regards to 26-year old Andrew Aurie Jefferson, after he moved to a Surrey halfway house from Mission. Police say he has a high likelihood of reoffending. Jefferson terrorized a Calgary neighbourhood with a series of armed rapes in 2006. He was convicted of three attacks and gained notoriety as the “Falconridge rapist”. He was sentenced to just six years incarceration in 2007.
“High-risk sex offenders should be given stiff sentences that make public safety a priority,” said Watts. “There is no reason why this man, who committed his crimes in Alberta, is being released in Surrey.”
About Surrey First: Surrey First is an independent, non-partisan team of people seeking positive change in Surrey. Surrey First was founded in 2007 by Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts and is made up of Mayor Watts and councillors Tom Gill, Linda Hepner, Mary Martin, Barinder Rasode, Barbara Steele, Judy Villeneuve, Marvin Hunt, as well as 2011 election candidate Bruce Hayne.