Surrey car wash targeted after $50K extortion threats; owner says shots were fired and equipment stolen as police probe growing attacks.
Victim at the Centre of Violence
Surrey business owner Lovepreet Singh says his livelihood has been shaken after becoming the target of both extortion threats and gunfire. Singh, who has run 1313 Car Wash on 84 Avenue near 128 Street for more than two years, called the experience “a very hard and scary time” for him and his employees.
Demands Before the Attack
Just two days before the incident, Singh received a call from an unknown number. The callers demanded $50,000 and hurled abuse when he explained he was a small business owner with employees and expenses. Singh says the threats escalated quickly, with his home security camera later capturing two men carrying what appeared to be weapons approaching his door.
Incident on August 18
The situation turned violent on the night of August 18, when Surrey Police Service officers on patrol noticed bullet damage at the car wash. Singh later confirmed through CCTV footage that thieves also broke in, stealing high-value equipment including polishers, pressure washers and an air compressor, in addition to firing three shots through his windows.
Location Under Scrutiny
The car wash, situated in one of Surrey’s busiest commercial corridors, was closed at the time of the attack. Singh said the damage left behind went beyond the loss of equipment, adding that employees and their families now fear working late hours.
Fear Spreads in the Community
Singh’s experience mirrors concerns from other South Asian business owners across Surrey, Abbotsford, Alberta and Ontario, where extortion-related threats and shootings have surged in recent months. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has urged provincial authorities to provide added support as law enforcement deals with a wave of similar cases.
Ongoing Investigation
Surrey Police Service says it is still early in the investigation and has not confirmed direct links between this case and the wider string of extortion incidents. Singh, however, is convinced his case is part of the broader pattern. “I’m just hoping police can catch the people responsible,” he said, noting that every new customer now raises concern.
