VPD deploying 80 extra officers across Vancouver for Halloween weekend
Vancouver Police say 80 additional officers will patrol the city from October 31 to November 1, focusing on the Granville Entertainment District and Gastown, and are warning residents not to carry imitation weapons.
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The Vancouver Police Department said on October 30 it is deploying 80 additional officers across Vancouver for Halloween weekend, with a focus on the Granville Entertainment District, Gastown, and neighbourhoods citywide.
The announcement, published on vpd.ca Friday morning, says officers will conduct foot patrols, traffic enforcement, and youth engagement from October 31 through November 1. The department is also warning residents not to carry imitation firearms or replica weapons as part of their costumes.
Why the weapons warning
Imitation firearms and replica weapons look real from a distance and can trigger a police emergency response, the VPD said. Constable Megan Lui stated: "We are asking people to celebrate responsibly, look out for one another, and call 9-1-1 immediately if they witness a crime in progress."
The Granville Entertainment District on Granville Street is one of Vancouver's main nightlife areas and draws large crowds on Halloween night. Gastown, a historic district in the city's east side, is another area where the VPD is concentrating resources.
What police are asking
The VPD is asking three things of residents this weekend: celebrate responsibly, look out for one another, and call 911 right away if they see a crime happening. For matters that are not emergencies, the non-emergency number is 604-717-3321.
The Halloween deployment adds to a separate set of safety advice published earlier in the week. Vancouver Fire Rescue Services warned on October 27 that fireworks remain banned in Vancouver, with fines reaching $1,000, and asked drivers to stay off residential streets between 5 pm and 9 pm on October 31, when trick-or-treaters are out.
What residents can do
Anyone going out in Vancouver this Halloween weekend should plan to leave imitation weapons at home, save the Granville Entertainment District for later in the evening if possible, and keep 911 and 604-717-3321 saved in their phone. Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to report it to police rather than wait.
Questions this story answers
How many extra police officers will be out for Halloween weekend in Vancouver?
The Vancouver Police Department announced on October 30 that it is deploying 80 additional officers across the city for Halloween weekend, from October 31 through November 1. These officers are in addition to regular staffing levels. The deployment covers the Granville Entertainment District, Gastown, and neighbourhoods citywide.
Which areas will have the most police presence in Vancouver on Halloween?
The VPD stated on October 30 that officers will focus on the Granville Entertainment District and Gastown, which typically see large Halloween crowds. Officers will also patrol neighbourhoods across the city. The department said officers will conduct foot patrols, traffic enforcement, and youth engagement during the weekend.
Can I carry a fake weapon as part of my Halloween costume in Vancouver?
The VPD is warning residents against carrying imitation firearms or replica weapons as part of Halloween costumes. The department stated on October 30 that imitation and replica weapons can trigger an emergency response, including a call to 911. The VPD says residents should leave those items at home.
What should I do if I see a crime on Halloween in Vancouver?
Vancouver Police are asking the public to call 911 immediately if they witness a crime in progress on Halloween weekend. For non-emergency matters, the VPD's non-emergency line is 604-717-3321. Constable Megan Lui stated: 'We are asking people to celebrate responsibly, look out for one another, and call 9-1-1 immediately if they witness a crime in progress.'
Is the increased police presence on Halloween only on October 31?
The VPD announcement on October 30 refers to 'Halloween weekend,' covering both October 31 and November 1. The department said officers will be deployed to support public safety and respond to an expected increase in activity during that period.
Will there be police at the Granville Street area on Halloween?
Yes. The VPD stated on October 30 that officers will concentrate on the Granville Entertainment District as one of the primary focus areas for the Halloween weekend deployment. Granville Street is one of Vancouver's main nightlife areas and typically draws large crowds on holidays.
Did Vancouver Fire Rescue also issue Halloween safety advice?
Yes. Vancouver Fire Rescue Services published Halloween safety tips on October 27, reminding residents that fireworks remain banned in Vancouver with fines up to $1,000. VFRS also asked drivers to avoid residential streets between 5 pm and 9 pm on October 31. The VPD and VFRS announcements cover different aspects of Halloween safety.
Where can I find more information about safety in Vancouver?
The VPD publishes safety notices at vpd.ca. For fire safety information, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services publishes updates at vancouver.ca. To report non-emergency concerns to police, call 604-717-3321. For emergencies, always call 911.
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