VPD expects a busy long weekend

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - It's a weekend full of pride and fireworks. And Vancouver Police will be converging on the West End to keep crowds in line.

The hope is for things to run as smoothly as possible, says Constable Jana McGuinness, but two recent high-profile gay bashings have some residents on the edge. "We know that there's concern in the community, and we have a very vested interest in helping to make sure these next few days go very well, and people feel reassured that they can be safe when they come to enjoy all the festivities."

Of course, thousands of people are also expected to fill the West End for the Celebration of Light finale Saturday night. Police will be on patrol to look out for people bringing liquor down to the beaches and parks. This Wednesday, police performed hundreds of liquor pour-outs, made three arrests for drinking in public, and seized a number of weapons.

McGuiness says if you see a problem, report it. She says use 911 if you encounter an emergency.