Squamish RCMP are doing plenty of writing this summer - but the reports are short.
Police are signing their names to dozens of liquor and motor vehicle tickets on expanded nighttime patrols in an effort to keep on top of large evening gatherings by local youths.
The extra enforcement is part of an attempt by police to avoid the kind of notoriety that marked Squamish's summer last year, when some local youths got into altercations with visitors from Washington State at the Kinsmen Campground.
They said that a group of young people trashed their camp area, damaged their car and kicked and punched a man.
The incident sparked media coverage across Canada and the Pacific Northwest and prompted much local debate into local youth issues, including a public forum.
RCMP Cpl. Dave Ritchie said police have extended evening patrols through the summer, focusing on several areas where young people gather, including Garibaldi Highlands Elementary School (GHE), Brennan Park Recreation Centre, the Kinsmen Municipal Campground and the Brackendale dyke.
Police are taking a zero-tolerance policy at youth gatherings with regard to liquor and Motor Vehicle Act violations.
"We've had some irate comments from parents that their kids got a ticket, but we've also had some positive comments from youth," said Ritchie.
The Kinsmen Campground and Brennan Park are not the same hot spots for police dealing with groups of youth as they were last year. Instead, the main congregating area this summer appears to be at GHE, with nearby residents calling in complaints on a regular basis.
"It [Kinsmen Campground] became known as a party site for youths, but once you discourage one site another pops up," said Ritchie.
The area around GHE poses problems for officers on patrol, as the school area and nearby trails and parks allow groups to scatter quickly when police arrive.
While this summer has not seen any incidents like last year's campground assaults, police are concerned this year by the age of several youth spotted at late-night gatherings.
"We do notice a lot of younger kids at all hours - 13- and 14-year-olds," said Ritchie.
Ritchie said police have had little trouble to deal with the youths they have met, even in large groups.
"As ever, it's the one per cent who spoil things," he said.
