Vancouver police issue warning about gun-shaped lighters

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has issued a warning about the growing problem of gun-shaped lighters, saying they are tying up critical police resources.

The issue came to a head on Wednesday afternoon when officers rushed to an apartment on Woodland Drive near Graveley Street after receiving a report of a man with a firearm.

“Given the serious nature of the call, multiple police resources were deployed,” the VPD said.

After nearly two hours, the suspect was arrested without incident. Police then found the suspected weapon was a lighter made to look like a gun.

“Every firearm call must be treated as real until confirmed otherwise, diverting officers from other urgent police work,” police said.

Images shared on social media by the VPD show several lighters confiscated in previous incidents. Many bear a strong resemblance to actual firearms.