Police issue warning about ‘Grad Sleepover’ parties

West Vancouver Police and North Vancouver RCMP are issuing a warning about ‘Grad Sleepover’ parties.

They say every year they deal with unsanctioned outdoor parties staged by students as they enter their Grade 12 school year. These gatherings are usually large, involving youth using drugs and drinking, and can result in damage to property and public areas.

Police want to remind students and parents of the risks associated with these gatherings.

Usually the events are held in local parks or green spaces near high schools on the last night or nights prior to the first day of school.

“Our first concern is the health and well-being of children and youth that are participating,” said Cst. Jeff Palmer with the West Vancouver Police. “We don’t have a particular problem with students gathering outdoors to celebrate the start of their Grade 12 year, but when you mix in the alcohol and drugs, the risk factors start to add up and it becomes a circumstance that could put them in a situation where they can’t be helped.”

The West Vancouver Police Patrol Team and Youth Liaison officers will work together with West Vancouver schools and District of West Vancouver staff to find and respond to grad sleepover gatherings to prevent Liquor Act, Bylaw and Criminal Code offences.  They are also asking residents who see any such gathering to call police.

West Vancouver Police are also encouraging parents and guardians to clearly communicate behavioral expectations with young people in their care and to work to ensure youth are helped to avoid the potential for long-lasting negative consequences that can occur as a result of poor choices involving drugs and alcohol.

West Vancouver Police are launching a new communications initiative, e-Policing For Parents, in which parents and guardians of young people can subscribe for direct email alerts offering crime prevention and safety information of specific concern to parents and guardians of youth in our community.

Information for e-Policing For Parents will be developed in ongoing consultation with our Youth Liaison officers, Policing and Community Partners.