A three-day project by Metro Vancouver Transit Police, designed to address crime and safety, in and around Metrotown SkyTrain Station in Burnaby, resulted in numerous arrests, with a variety of weapons and drugs seized.
On April 13, 19 and 21, officers from the Transit Police Crime Suppression Team, in partnership with Metropolis at Metrotown security, spent three days working in uniform and plainclothes in the area surrounding Metrotown SkyTrain Station, including the adjacent bus loop, Metropolis at Metrotown shopping centre, and nearby businesses.
As a result of the three days of targeted police action:
* 26 arrests were made for outstanding warrants, weapons possession, theft, trafficking a controlled substance, and Motor Vehicle Act violations
* 23 weapons, including 13 knives and 2 replica firearms, were seized
* 142 grams of fentanyl and six grams of methamphetamine were seized
* $9,506 in stolen merchandise was recovered
Transit Police said that this project, made possible through Provincial Special Investigation and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) Funding, demonstrates the way in which it utilizes intelligence reports, crime data and reports from the public in order to work with community partners and strategically focus police resources.
Given that Metrotown SkyTrain Station is the second busiest SkyTrain Station by passenger volumes and Metropolis at Metrotown is the largest mall in B.C., Transit Police said it works closely with Metropolis at Metrotown Security on reducing crime and providing a safe environment for all.
“Public safety will always be a top priority for Transit Police and we are dedicated to keeping the transit system safe for everyone, which includes reducing risks of crime faced by transit passengers as they travel to and from the transit system,” said Constable Amanda Steed on Thursday.
