Ten people connected to the Justice Institute of B.C. have been targeted by threats, arson fires and shootings in recent months, a senior Mountie revealed Tuesday.
RCMP Chief Supt. Janice Armstrong said no one has been injured in the attacks, which began last April and continued through last month.
Three of those targeted work at the New Westminster post-secondary institution, which trains police, firefighters and others involved in public safety.
Two other victims are former students and the other five have a loose connection to the Justice Institute, Armstrong said.
"Disturbingly, it seems innocent people have been subject to arsons of their homes and vehicles, and some have had their residences or vehicles shot at," she said. "These victims do not appear to be affiliated with any criminal activity. Fortunately, no one has been physically injured in these incidents."
Armstrong said the victims have been provided with security and have asked that their names and locations remain private.
"We cannot release specifically where the incidents occurred," she said.
All of the attacks took place late at night or early in the morning.
The victims that work at the Justice Institute are familiar with one another, but the others do not know each other, Armstrong said.
Investigators are protecting details of the RCMP-led probe, she said, adding that "persons of interest" have been identified by police.
"It is very difficult to say if it is one person or multiple persons who might be involved in this," Armstrong said. "I think it would be safe to say the investigation is on-going and I would be hesitant to comment any further at this point."
She said students and staff were notified by police Tuesday as fall classes re-opened. And security has been enhanced at the institute, Armstrong said.
Justice Institute president Jack McGee said none of the incidents occurred on campus and all classes are continuing as scheduled.
"JIBC is very concerned about this situation, and the impact it has had on innocent victims," McGee said.
"We are doing everything we can to support the police investigation, and taking all possible steps to protect the safety and security of students, staff, faculty and the public who access our campuses."
Armstrong said the link to the Justice Institute came in July when "an astute investigator recognized a link between seemingly unconnected criminal events occurring throughout the Lower Mainland."
Once the link was made, police began pooling resources and working together, she said.
"We have a dedicated team in place from RCMP and municipal police departments who are working long hours to solve these crimes. And we are regularly sharing information internally on the status of the investigation, as well as providing updates to senior management at the Justice Institute," Armstrong said. "I can tell you that this file is a top priority for all police in the Lower Mainland."
While the victims have not been hurt, they have been traumatized by the attacks.
"As you can imagine setting a house on fire - even setting a vehicle on fire - or a shooting at a residence - they could have had tragic consequences," Armstrong said.
"You can imagine the emotional toll that this has taken on the individuals that have been targeted."
Armstrong said there is no suggestion to indicate that anyone else is at risk.
"As for how the public can help, we're asking people to be vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity to their local police," Armstrong said.
