HALLOWEEN night proved to be a little scarier for some, say West Vancouver Police after they issued three $2,300 fines under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act for hosting too many guests.

Things began picking up at 7 p.m. on Saturday with a report of a gathering in the 1800-block 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. A $2,300 fine was issued.

Officers then began attending numerous calls related to youth gathering and setting off fireworks at multiple locations throughout the district. A group of 300 youth were dispersed at Glen Eagles Elementary School after neighbours’ complaints regarding fireworks. Officers seized numerous fireworks and liquor, as well as a replica handgun.

At 9:45 p.m., officers attended a house party in the 5300-block of Kew Cliff Road. The homeowner confirmed that 24 youth were in attendance. A $2,300 fine was issued.

Reports of large gatherings of youth continued throughout the evening.

At 11:30 p.m., officers attended a party at a rental property in the 1000-block of Crestline Road. The owner of the property had contacted police after remotely observing multiple people arriving via CCTV. Officers attended and confirmed over 20 people inside the home. A $2,300 fine was issued to the organizer.

“For some reason, people just aren’t getting the message,” said Constable Kevin Goodmurphy. “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.”

Officers also managed reports of assaults, disturbances, a break and enter, and mischief throughout the shift.