While Vancouver has not had any reported extortions so far, some business owners victimized in other Lower Mainland cities live here, Vancouver Police Supt. Dale Weidman said Wednesday.

Weidman was one of several senior Vancouver police officers who addressed a forum in South Vancouver Wednesday night offering preventive tips to about 250 concerned community members.

Two women in the audience suggested there have been extortions in Vancouver, but victims have not felt comfortable going to police.

Supt. Phil Heard acknowledged some might be too fearful to report being targeted by extortionists.

“We recognize there are significant barriers,” Heard said. “We recognize not everyone always feels confident coming forward to the police.”

Heard said that while there have been more than 130 ex

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