Squamish youth have caused an estimated $42,300 in property damage in the last two years, according to an upcoming RCMP presentation to Squamish council. Officers from Squamish RCMP will make a presentation to the council on March 25.
Police say a small group of youth is responsible for repeated vandalism, graffiti, racist language, and damage to local infrastructure, including the BMX track. Local business owners and residents are increasingly frustrated as incidents continue to rise.
The problem has escalated over the past two years, with Halloween becoming a flashpoint for chaos. In 2023, police responded to dozens of reports across Squamish, with more than 400 youths causing disturbances. In the Garibaldi Highlands alone, officers seized large quantities of illegal fireworks and responded to more than 30 calls involving firecrackers and unruly behaviour.
In 2024, Squamish RCMP arrested several youths following a chaotic Halloween night in the Garibaldi Highlands. Officers responded to reports of fireworks being aimed at homes, vehicles, and people. Despite an increased police presence, officers encountered a group of around 100 youth lighting fires, launching illegal fireworks, and displaying aggressive behaviour.
According to police, some youths wore balaclavas and carried bear spray, bear bangers, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Fireworks were also directed at officers and their vehicles. Loud explosions heard throughout the night were believed to be caused by the homemade explosives.
“This is not a case of kids being kids; the group or mob mentality took over, and the lack of regard for any direction or guidance to leave the area were largely ignored,” said Squamish RCMP Staff Sgt. Gareth Bradley in the 2024 press release. “It is out of pure luck that no one was hurt from the explosive devices.”
Police confirmed that several youths were taken into custody but later released to their guardians. No charges have been announced so far.
Carrie Freeman says
Squamish fire department should be allowed to hose these individuals down with water,
Especially to protect property!
Francine Lessard says
Great idea!
Since you can’t see who they are, they won’t be able to conplain to their momma and if they do then they admit to their wrong doing.
Carrie Freeman says
Squamish Fire Department should allowed to hose down these individuals in order to protect property being damaged!
Michael R. says
If we just suppress the kids harder and pass more authoritarian bylaws, I’m sure this will go away.
Nothing like watching pearl-clutching boomers wail as the consequences of their actions come home to roost. These kids look at a vile, corrupt system that has run up massive deficits, obliterated the culture and destroyed the Country through mass migration and they’re rightfully angry. The Country is in economic ruin and their future is bleak. Are the adults doing anything about the mess they’ve made? No, they’re complaining because the kids are upset about being left with the bill. Just keep getting high and watching sportsball instead of confronting Canada’s very real problems.
All of this gets worse until the Boomers are gone and that can’t happen soon enough.