After a sharp uptick in teens being found with weapons – including knives, an airsoft pistol and a homemade taser, North Vancouver RCMP are asking parents to have a word with their kids.
Over the last two weeks, officers with the detachment’s youth support team have had 10 run-ins with teens resulting in weapons being seized.
“We are extremely concerned with the increase in weapons we are seeing youth carrying," said Const. Mansoor Sahak, North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson. “Weapons such as these can cause disagreements to spiral out of control and can result in an escalated police response that has the potential to ultimately place the public, the youth, and the police in harm’s way.”
Possession of an airsoft gun is legal, but criminal charges can be laid if it is concealed or used to threaten, intimidate or assault others.
“We take the carrying of weapons seriously and should a youth be found in possession of a weapon they may face significant consequences including a criminal charge,” said Const. Paul Reece, a member the North Vancouver RCMP’s Youth Support Team. “We encourage parents to have conversations about these types of incidents and reinforce that carrying weapons can only cause harm, there is no upside.”
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