Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023
File: 23-19532, 23-20013
Victoria, BC – On Monday morning members of VicPD’s General Investigation and Outreach Sections began working with City of Victoria Bylaw staff to conduct sustained bylaw enforcement in Topaz Park.
Just after 7:30 a.m. on Monday officers were in the park when they heard yelling and noticed smoke coming from an area near a large encampment. Officers found two open fires burning near two tents. Garbage, clothing, and propane tanks were close by, and black smoke was blowing into the open tents. Officers quickly notified the occupants of the tents to evacuate and contacted the Victoria Fire Department who attended and extinguished the fires.
A short while later, officers came across a disturbance inside of another tent. One of the individuals involved in the disturbance left the park. A short time later that individual was reported to have broken into a locked backyard in a nearby residential housing complex. The individual was carrying a hammer and left the property when confronted by the occupant of the home. The individual was arrested a short distance away for break and enter.
Bylaw enforcement began in Topaz Park in response to safety concerns from the community and park users. People sheltering in the park were given advanced and repeated notice of enforcement.
Enforcement efforts continue this week.
-30-
We’re seeking qualified candidates for both police officer and civilian positions. Thinking about a career in public service? VicPD is an equal-opportunity employer. Join VicPD and help us make Victoria and Esquimalt a safer community together.
