The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is investigating Surrey's fifth homicide of the year after a body was found around 9:30 a.m. Monday near the Delta Golf Course.

Surrey RCMP were called out to the scene in the 12000-block of Colebrook Road where the body was reportedly found. Authorities have not released any information as to the victim's identity.

"We don't know who this individual is," said Cpl. Adam MacIntosh, a media relations officer with IHIT. "We don't know whether it's gang-related, the motive, anything like that, it's just too early."

This latest murder follows a series of three shootings - two of which were gang-related - that left four men dead.

On Jan. 13, Manjot Dhillon, a 27-year-old Surrey resident who was known to police, was found in critical condition at 168th Street and 76th Avenue, and later died in hospital. Several hours later, Surrey residents John Edward McGiveron and Geordie Wesley Carlow, both 33, were gunned down in a Cedar Hills parkade in the 9400-block of 128th Street of Whalley.

Just before 2 a.m. on Jan. 15, police responded to calls in the Bridgeview area of 127th Street and 112B Avenue, reporter as many as six shots fired. They found Manjinder "Manny" Hairan, 29, suffering from gunshot wounds in an alley in what was later confirmed to be a targeted, gang-related homicide.

Despite the spike in shootings in the city, Surrey RCMP Chief Supt. Bill Fordy said law-abiding residents are safe, noting that most of the homicides are criminals killing other criminals.

"If you involve yourself in this level of criminal activity, the likelihood of you ending up dead in a ditch or in jail is very high," Fordy warned. "I would say it is inevitable."

Anyone with information about any of the five homicides this month is asked to call the IHIT tipline at 1-877-551-IHIT(4448) or email ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or send their tips via solvecrime.ca.

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