Police ramp up presence after Cup riot thousands, presence, planning, hundreds, previous

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Police ramp up presence after Cup riot

Vancouver police will be ramping up their presence by nearly one-third over previous years for Saturday’s Celebration of Light fireworks show.


Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu said Thursday the Stanley Cup riot played a role in determining policing requirements for the event, which draws hundreds of thousands of people to English Bay and Kitsilano every year.


“There’s clearly events of June 15 that have influenced how we are planning the police and public safety response to the Celebration of Light,” he said.


Chu said there will be 25- to 30-per-cent more officers patrolling the streets than in past fireworks celebrations, which amounts to “hundreds more.” However, he would not provide an exact number.


Chu issued a specific warning to parents of those under 19, noting parents can be held legally responsible for their children’s actions under B.C.’s Parental Responsibility Act.


“Our message to parents this summer is know where your children are and take steps to make sure they are not breaking the law,” he said. “If you don’t, you could find yourself in court.”


Chu said police will be phoning the parents of youth caught drinking so they can “deal appropriately with them.”


Police will also introduce the 150-strong Citizens’ Crime Watch team to the fireworks for the first time.


Its plainclothes members, who routinely patrol streets looking for stolen vehicles and other crimes, will be keeping an eye out for liquor violations and other incidents.


“The public will never know these volunteers are out there, but we want everyone to know that just because you don’t see a uniform doesn’t mean no one is watching.”


Transit Police acting chief Andy Hobbs said his force is also increasing its numbers for Saturday’s fireworks.


The president of the Vancouver Pride Society said he welcomes the increased police presence.


“A higher police presence during fireworks is a good idea because we never saw anything as horrific as during the playoffs, and incidents of violence and vandalism should be [monitored] given what has just been happening,” said Ken Coolin.


“Pride parade has never had any incident of violence or rioting, or any action of that sort. It’s a very family fun day and everyone is very well behaved.”

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Vancouver’s Celebration of Light is best viewed close to home.