Image: AbbyPD / YouTube / Chief Constable Colin Watson addresses residents regarding the new extortion task force in Abbotsford.

By Alyssa Conti

POLICE RESPONSE

AbbyPD launches Extortion Task Force amid recent violence in the city

Sep 23, 2025 | 12:01 PM

ABBOTSFORD — The Abbotsford Police Department has launched a new task force in response to the growing number of extortion cases in the city.

From November 2023 to September this year, AbbyPD received 38 reports of extortion-related incidents– two of them being violent.

In response to the recent increase in shootings and/or arson, the Abbotsford Police Department is now creating an internal extortion task force.

“These events, and others throughout the lower mainland and beyond, have shaken our

sense of security,” said Chief Constable Colin Watson. “We share the concerns we have

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heard and are fully committed to ensuring public safety in our community.”

The Task Force, also named “Operation Community Shield”, is made up of both full- and part-time experienced officers from several areas of AbbyPD. The group is tasked with investigating and stopping extortion events in Abbotsford, while police work with provincial and federal partners to inform a broader response.

“This is a community concern, not just a police concern. We’re committed to transparency and will keep the public informed as best we can as investigations progress,” added Watson.

“We will not let fear define our city. Together, we will work to address these threats to our community members and businesses.”