As concerns over youth drinking and vandalizing downtown Victoria, the local police department highlighted the issue Friday night.
Victoria Police’s department focused on youth violence and vandalism returned to the downtown area for a third consecutive week Friday (May 27), in a bid to deter violence and vandalism.
The issue dates back six weeks, with officers responding each weekend to calls of large gatherings of youth consuming drugs and alcohol.
VicPD says the gatherings are organized by a core group using apps such as SnapChat and WhatsApp, and at times include about 150 youths, split into multiple groups. Ahead of the operation, VicPD reminded residents that previous weeks included youth-involved random assaults, bear spray fights, vandalism and thefts with drugs, alcohol and weapons seized. Several young people have gone to hospital, many for over-consumption, police said.
Here's what it looks like as we approach a group of youths who are drinking. #VicPDLive #yyj pic.twitter.com/LZl1gVgOpY
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) May 28, 2022
RELATED: Youth violence a growing regional concern for Greater Victoria
Friday’s live tweeting included an early evening seizure of knives and brass knuckles from a group of youths who police said were impaired, adding that pouring out illegal liquor stashes diverted future issues that night.
The online response ran the gamut from support for proactive police interaction, to those condemning the work as predatory and criminalization of youth.
RELATED: International students told not to enter downtown Greater Victoria amid youth crime concerns
Back on May 11 and 12, officers responded to a dozen incidents and made eight arrests with three individuals requiring medical care for intoxication. The second week coincided with the May long weekend, and VicPD reported officers’ early deployment disrupted several large gatherings. The significant majority of youths involved are from across Greater Victoria.
RELATED: Victoria police report swarms of youth flocking to Victoria to commit crimes
VicPD says it continues to work with partners including the Saanich Police Department, Oak Bay Police, the Central Saanich Police Service, West Shore RCMP and Sidney/North Saanich RCMP, as well as school districts across the regions including SD61, SD62 and SD63, private schools, municipalities, youth probation, community groups, parents, families and youths themselves to foster short, medium and long-term solutions.
One of us was in emerg last night after a lil post surgery complication and just WOW ! All night long officers w injured youth from various incidents were arriving-calling parents – supporting the injured – geeesh at one point there were 6 officers – thankyou for all you do❤️
— Wildergarden (@WildergardenBC) May 29, 2022
