By Canadian Press

Letter to families in Saanich, B.C., warns of youth gang crime as summer break nears

May 31, 2023 | 2:14 PM

VICTORIA — The principal of a high school on Vancouver Island says parents should be on alert over an increase in violent crime and gang activity involving young people in the community. 

Donna Thompson, principal of Mount Douglas Secondary in Saanich, says in a letter addressed to families that police departments in the region are concerned about potential gang involvement of a small group of teenagers in the community. 

Thompson’s letter says police shared the information with school districts in the southern part of Vancouver Island recently, warning of gang recruitment of young people to sell things like vaping products and high-end clothing. 

The letter says police also told school boards about an increase in violent crime involving knives and fake guns, as well as drug dealing among young people who use social media to promote “gang-associated behaviour.” 

Thompson says the school shared the information in the hope that families will provide guidance and support to young people as they age into adulthood, and she urged parents to monitor their kids’ routines for any change in attitudes or behaviour.

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The letter says all schools in the district will tackle community safety issues in the near future before the upcoming summer break.  

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2023. 

The Canadian Press