Victoria police are beefing up their downtown presence this weekend to deal with potential youth issues.
Patrol officers will be augmented by the Youth Violence and Vandalism Intersection and Engagement Response Team following weeks of problems on city streets. There have been nights on which up to 150 youths have gathered, police said.
In one incident, a 70-year-old man suffered significant facial injuries in a random assault. Another random attack saw a couple flee to their vehicle, which was surrounded and damaged.
Police said organizing has been done via social media platforms such as Snapchat and WhatsApp.
“Our presence downtown this weekend is to deter violence and ensure downtown is safe and enjoyable for everyone,” said Victoria police Insp. Kerrilee Jones, who works in the Community Services Division.
She said Victoria police are working with other police agencies, youth probation, school districts, municipalities, parents and youths themselves to find solutions.
