'Ongoing youth violence': VicPD cracking down on groups of teens involved in downtown assaults
CTV
Victoria police say they've been dealing with "ongoing youth violence" in the city's downtown core over the last several weeks, with officers responding to dozens of calls for assaults, swarmings and vandalism.
The Victoria Police Department issued a statement on the incidents Thursday, saying they've responded to more than two dozen calls for service related to groups of young people in recent weeks.
"Youth from surrounding municipalities have begun coming to downtown Victoria on Friday and Saturday nights to consume alcohol and drugs," police said in their statement.
"Some nights have seen over 150 youth in groups of various sizes gathering in locations across downtown Victoria and the surrounding area."
VicPD shared seven examples of the types of incidents officers have been responding to, with the files in question spanning from April 22 to May 6.
Four of the seven incidents took place on the night of May 6, according to police. Those calls included:
Other examples provided by VicPD included:
In most of the cases listed, VicPD said the arrested young people were released to parents, though charges are being pursued.
"VicPD is working with regional partners including the Greater Victoria School District and regional police partners to engage with the youths and their families, interdict groups in key problem areas and conduct enforcement," police said in their statement.
