Thanks to a grant provided by the Vancouver Police Foundation, Vancouver Police will be patrolling the beaches on ATVs again this summer. VPD Acting Inpsector Barry Kross recognized Executive Director Valerie MacLean and Trustees Murray Atherton and Susan Evans for the generous grant of $34,687.20 toward the lease of three ATVs to be used throughout the summer.

“Beach Patrol has proven in the past to be an effective policing model, assisting our officers in dealing with any crime or disorder on and around the beaches and adjacent parks during peak summer times,” says Kross.

In addition to the ATVs, officers will also patrol on foot, on bicycles and on horseback. Increased patrols will span from Spanish Banks to Kitsilano Beach on the south side of English Bay, including the seawall along False Creek, from the Burrard Bridge to Stanley Park.

Typical calls received by Beach Patrol include liquor seizures, assaults and fights, thefts, traffic enforcement and lost children and Vancouver Police work closely with Park Board staff.

“Our main focus is to create a safe family atmosphere at the beaches and parks,” says Kross. “We’re asking people to come down to the beaches and enjoy themselves responsibly and to respect others around them.”

Media release from Vancouver Police Department - June 30, 2010