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VPD stepping up enforcement for the Celebration of Light

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The annual Celebration of Light is a time for people to look up and enjoy the show, but the focus for members of the Vancouver Police Department will be what’s on the ground.

The VPD refuses to link stepped up enforcement to the Boston Marathon bombing or the foiled terrorist plot at the Legislature in Victoria, but the force is not taking any chances.

It’s warning people to keep a close eye on their belongings for two reasons.

The first is pretty simple: someone can simply take it.

Secondly, VPD Sergeant Randy Fincham says, if needed, officers will move in and possibly destroy anything that’s left unattended.

“It’s very possible,” says Fincham. “The police will come in and investigate. Obviously, we want to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves and nobody is getting hurt. So, in extreme circumstances we will investigate to determine why something has been left in a particular location.”

The Marine Unit will also be on the water, looking for drunk boaters.

“[They’re] just making sure the boating public is enjoying the fireworks as well as they’re free from the consumption of alcohol,” explains Fincham.

“We would hate to see somebody out there boating while under the influence that could possibly cause injury or cause damage to their own boat,” he adds, noting the rules of the road apply to the water.

One organization says peoples lives are being put at risk at tonight’s Celebration of Light. Dave Clark, wo represents Coast Guard workers, says the closure of the Kits Coast Guard makes for a dangerous situation.

The group remains hopeful the federal government will reverse its decision, but Clark is worried someone will have to die on the water for the feds to revisit the issue. “The citizens of BC have to start looking after themselves. What used to be there as a safety net is not the same safety net we used to have and has a lot of holes in it.”

The station was shut down abruptly in February as a cost-cutting measure, but days later, Ottawa announced $6.6 million in funding to open a new one in Newfoundland.

You’re also being asked to use smaller side streets when leaving English Bay to cut down on road congestion. Markers for meeting points will also be set up on the beach so people don’t lose their friends and family members.

The VPD is asking that if you see anything suspicious you give them a call or send them a tweet @VancouverPD.

The first of three fireworks nights goes tomorrow, with the UK.

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