North Vancouver RCMP officers will be out in increased numbers over the Labour Day Weekend.
Officers will be patrolling key areas such as local parks, schools and secluded locations where partiers often gather.
They will be taking a proactive approach to the enforcement of liquor, traffic, and local bylaw violations.
Authorities in North Vancouver are urging caution ahead of pre-grad celebrations.
In the past, police have been called to attend some of these “pre-graduation” large gatherings after party-goes had consumed excessive amounts of alcohol and drugs, caused property damage, injured themselves or others, or committed criminal acts that have victimised fellow students or other members of the public.
While there have been no major incidents at pre-grad events during recent years, last month’s lifting of restrictions on public gatherings, combined with record temperatures and an extreme fire risk, have prompted a renewed appeal for caution from RCMP, fire officials, and school administrators.
“We’re asking students planning to participate in ‘Grad Sleepout’ or any other events, to think through their choices before starting their celebrations,” said Inspector Vaz Kassam, Operations Officer for the North Vancouver RCMP.
North Vancouver District Fire Rescue Service Chief Brian Hutchinson also cautioned about fires.
“Under no circumstances should anyone be lighting a fire, whether it’s a campfire or otherwise. And we need everyone to be very careful about smoking. A carelessly discarded cigarette can cause a wildfire that can quickly spread from the forest to a North Van neighbourhood.”
North Vancouver School District Superintendent Mark Pearmain is encouraging parents and guardians of grade 12 students to talk with their children about their weekend plans.
