The Vancouver Police Department says it is attempting to crack down on bear-spray assaults among youth by targeting the businesses that sell the restricted product. Police say bear-spray incidents, including assaults, disturbances and weapons seizures involving youth are on the rise. The department recorded 104 cases between Jan. 1 and Aug. 15 of this year, compared to 83 during the same period last year. In an effort to reduce youth access to bear spray, the VPD says it sent Youth Investigative Unit detectives to inspect businesses “suspected of selling bear spray, coyote spray, and dog-repellant spray”—ultimately visiting 27 across the city to “identify potential sources of bear spray and promote compliance with City of Vancouver bylaws.” Each business was given information on the rules and best practices. Under those bylaws, bear spray can only be sold to people 19 and over and businesses must keep sales records, including the identity of buyers, for 12 months. Three businesses were fined a total of $4,000 for four bylaw violations, according to police. “Reducing youth access to bear spray is a priority,” Insp. Dave Balance of the VPD’s Youth Services Section said, in a news release Friday. “This enforcement initiative will contribute to the safety of the community, and we hope it will lead to a reduction of youth committing assaults with bear spray.” Under Canadian law, it is also illegal to carry bear spray in urban areas for the purpose of self-defence.
