North Vancouver RCMP sees increase in youths carrying weapons

Police in North Vancouver say they have seen an increase in the number of youths carrying weapons in the community.

In a release Tuesday, the RCMP announced that in the last two weeks, their Youth Support Team (YST) has had over 10 incidents of youth who were carrying weapons. These include airsoft guns, knives or homemade weapons.

“In one of these instances, YST officers were conducting proactive patrols on a local trail and located youth who were in possession of makeshift weapons. In another, YST officers confronted youth with knives and homemade tasers near school property,” Mounties said.

Media Relations Officer Mansoor Sahak says the RCMP is extremely concerned. He says the weapons these youth are carrying can cause “disagreements to spiral out of control” and lead to escalated police responses that could place the public, the youth, and the police in danger.

Mounties are asking parents to talk to their children about the dangers of carrying weapons.

Const. Paul Reece with the North Vancouver RCMP says they take these cases very seriously.

“Should a youth be found in possession of a weapon they may face significant consequences including a criminal charge.”

Mounties say although the possession of an airsoft gun is legal, criminal charges can be laid if the weapon is concealed or used to threaten, intimidate or assault people.