Machete attack, attack with pepper spray or brass knuckle. The list of crimes committed by youth against other youth is growing in Vancouver and involves the municipal police service (VPD). Concerned at this situation, he asked them to end the omerta that accompanies youth violence, of which several cases have occurred recently.
Among other things, a boy attracted to social media in late April was hit by a group of drunk teenagers in Stanley Park before being found bloody and walking on the seawall.
In the Kerrisdale neighborhood, a 19-year-old boy was sprayed with pepper and his backpack was stolen by a group of six youths. He ran home and told a family member, but the suspects left the scene before notifying police.
” Several teenagers have already been injured, and we fear the violence will get worse. “
Break the silence and denounce
Police believe many young people who experience these attacks do not have the courage or instinct to report them and denounce their perpetrators.
This is particularly the case of a teenager who was targeted by a pellet gun, as he sat on the steps of the Museum of Fine Arts in Vancouver. The incident was only reported to police hours after museum staff watched the security video. The victim did not reach and the suspect was not identified.
” We encourage young people to come forward if they are being abused or if they have information that could save someone else from getting caught in a dangerous situation. “
ang VPD is trying to identify the victim and the suspect, and wants to end this code of silence.
Therefore, parents are asked to talk to their children about bullying and violence. On the other hand, young people with information about a crime are strongly encouraged to call the police or seek help from someone they trust if they or someone they know is being targeted.
Embarrassing and embarrassing rituals
In addition to the attacks, VPD also warns parents and teens of a disturbing trend. Groups of teenagers are attacking and shooting their victims as part of embarrassing and stressful bullying rituals.
Often, they surround an isolated victim, then punch, kick, and slap until it falls to the ground. He is forced to kiss the shoes of his attackers.
Police point out that videos of these attacks were once posted online.
” These incidents not only cause physical damage, they can lead to deep emotional trauma that leaves permanent scars. “
However, the sergeant pointed that out the nature of these incidents often prevents victims from moving forward, as they fear retaliation and further embarrassment.
Raising awareness within the community
Since the last week of the break, the VPD also encountered a disturbing number of youths armed with toy guns, pepper spray, brass knuckles and machetes near schools and in the community.
Police said they have increased the number of targeted patrols and ongoing awareness programs in a bid to prevent more violence and encourage victims to approach.
The Youth Services Section of the Vancouver Police Department has set up a hotline for anyone with information about the attacks at Stanley Park and Kerrisdale, or the gun incident at the Art Gallery. -Vancouver arts.
Anyone who has not yet spoken to police is asked to dial (604) 717 – 0614.
Source: Radio-Canada
