A Metro Vancouver Transit Police-led project that focused on public safety in Burnaby has resulted in numerous arrests, and a variety of weapons and drugs seized.
A five-day project led by police officers from the Transit Police Crime Suppression Team, with support from Surrey Police Service and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC, addressed crime and safety concerns at Metrotown Station and adjacent businesses, including the Metropolis at Metrotown shopping centre.
As a result of the targeted police action, which took place over five days between May 3 and June 7:
- 70 arrests were made for reasons that included outstanding warrants, weapons possession, theft, and trafficking a controlled substance
- 47 new charges were forwarded to the BC Prosecution Service
- 10 outstanding warrants were executed
- $25,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered
- 23 grams of methamphetamine, 6 grams of fentanyl, and 16 grams of hydromorphone pills were seized
- weapons were seized, including 4 knives, 1 axe, several cannisters of bear spray, and a replica handgun
The project was made possible through BC Prolific Offender Program, Provincial Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement (C-STEP) funding.
“As a busy transit hub, ensuring the safety of everyone at Metrotown Station is a priority for Transit Police. The employees, commuters and general public deserve to feel safe without worrying about being exposed to weapons or drugs, or the violence that can sometimes accompany them. It’s Transit Police’s aim that anyone who brings these items to transit be arrested and held accountable,” said Constable Sunny Kainth
