GRAD Grad night was very busy for the Terrace RCMP. Calls directly related to intoxicated youths starte dat around 9 PM on Saturday, June 23, 2012 and for the next 7 hours police responded to approximately 20 calls, amajority of them directly related to intoxicated youth and underage drinking.
There was also a significant amount of vandalism including lawns driven on, lawn ornaments destroyed and garbage strewn everywhere. Many of these incidents were not reported to police.
“ It is disheartening that this type of disrespectful behavior occurs, “ says Inspector Dana Hart, Officer in Charge Terrace Detachment. “In past grad weekends there have been alcohol related fights, vandalism, assaults and even death. Regrettably this year that pattern was repeated.”
At the Thunderbird party, a male youth threw a beer bottle and then a rock at the Crime Reduction Unit vehicle breaking the front windshield. Fortunately the members were not hurt, but the van was immediately taken out of service hindering police response to serve and protect the public.
“ There were hundreds of youth at the parties who saw what happened, not just with the RCMP vehicle, but the vandalism elsewhere, “says Inspector Hart. “ I am optimistic that someone with a social conscience will do the right thing and help identify the persons responsible. Otherwise it is the citizens of Terrace that will end up covering the cost.”
Police noted that a significant number of youth attending these parties were under age and are concerned about how so many youth unlawfully obtained liquor.
If you have information about this crime contact the Terrace RCMP at (250)638-7400 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-800-222-TIPS, online at www.bccrimestoppers.com
or by texting TERRACE plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).