24 youth fined over $2,000 for West Vancouver Halloween Party

Police in West Vancouver were busy on Halloween night, issuing nearly $7,000 in fines and breaking up several gatherings.

The West Vancouver Police Department says that a total of three fines were issued last Saturday, starting with a gathering at 7 pm on the 18000 blocks of Mathers Avenue.

“Officers spoke with the homeowner and confirmed that they were hosting more than six guests, none of whom lived at the address,” reads a police statement. “A $2,300 fine was issued.”

Police also responded to “numerous calls” regarding youth gathering and setting off fireworks throughout West Vancouver.

WVPD says that a “group of 300 youth” were found at Glen Eagles Elementary School. Police officers seized numerous fireworks and liquor, as well as a replica handgun.

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Another house party was broken up at approximately 9:45 pm, this time on the 5300 blocks of Kew Cliff Road. There was 24 youth in attendance and another $2,300 fine was issued.

Police also attended a party at 11:30 pm, that was hosted at a rental property on the 1000 blocks of Crestline Road. WVPD say that the owner “contacted police after remotely observing multiple people arriving via CCTV.”

More than 20 people were confirmed inside the home and a $2,300 fine was issued to the organizer.

“For some reason, people just aren’t getting the message,” says Constable Kevin Goodmurphy, WVPD spokesperson. “We are into our ninth month of this pandemic, and people should know better than to hold gatherings that contravene provincial orders.”

“Ignorance is no longer a reasonable excuse.”

Police add that reports of large gatherings of youth occurred throughout the evening, as well as reports of assaults, disturbances, a break and enter, and mischief.