West Shore RCMP had a busy weekend, as they responded to eight separate reports involving youth causing public disturbances.
On March 3, police broke up a brawl involving 15 kids near the 800-block of Langford Parkway in Langford. Most of the kids scarpered, though one was discovered to be under court-ordered conditions to not be at the location. Police say the incident is still under investigation and charges are being considered.
Later that night, police were called about reports of around 100 kids partying at Thetis Lake. After they fled, police were called about a group waiting at a bus stop, who also ran when police approached, leaving behind one unconscious male. He was severely intoxicated and taken to the hospital by ambulance.
The next day, police responded to two incidents near Belmont Market and one further down the road near Jacklin Road and Goldstream Avenue. One involved a fight where a youth assaulted another kid, but the victim didn’t want to press charges.
Another instance saw one youth threaten to stab another close to the intersection of Jacklin and Goldstream on March 4. The youth has been charged with uttering threats, assault with a weapon, and failure to comply with an undertaking. The youth was held in custody overnight and is set to appear in court in March. The investigation is still ongoing.
On March 5, police were called to a couple of incidents, including dispersing a group of kids loitering inside a restaurant at Langford City Centre. One of the youths had a can of pepper spray, which was seized by police. The youths were kicked out and banned from the restaurant by management.
Police have seen a spike in incidents involving youth in recent years.
“Many of the youth we encounter in these calls for service have additional challenges in their lives and may be experiencing mental health crisis or substance abuse issues. Policing is only one part if the response - parental and community engagement is key when it comes to addressing the underlying issues facing our youth,” Supt. Todd Preston, officer in charge of West Shore RCMP, said in a statement.
The statement pointed to one officer who works in partnership with the Pacific Centre Family Services providing resources to at-risk youth, as a way the detachment is trying to combat this rise.
RELATED: Greater Victoria on verge of losing frontline counsellor as youth exploitation cases spike
Do you have a story tip? Email: vnc.editorial@blackpress.ca.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.