The prevalence of youth carrying real and replica weapons like airsoft guns, bear spray, and real/fake knives is a growing concern in many communities, including Surrey. It is important that youth and parents understand that carrying any sort of weapon – even a replica – can lead to an arrest and serious criminal charges. This can limit future education and employment opportunities for youth.

Some pellet guns and airsoft type guns can meet the legal definition of a firearm, depending on their velocity. Even if not considered firearms, they may still meet the definition of a weapon. Criminal charges can apply in both situations (ex. Sec. 85(1) using an imitation firearm in the commission of an offence; Sec 88(1) possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose).

When police respond to a report of a weapon, they must treat it as a real threat which can lead to significant consequences and potentially dangerous outcomes.

Resources

For more information on replica weapons and the serious nature of carrying replica weapons for unlawful use please visit Public Safety Canada and view the committee notes on replica firearm prohibition.

When should I call police?

If you notice someone carrying something that looks like it might be a weapon, please call 9-1-1. Police are better suited to assess the situation and determine if weapons are real or fake.

Our Youth Services Unit continues to see a rise in online exploitation and sextortion cases involving youth, particularly on apps that users believe can not be traced back to them. This includes serious offences such as youth sharing intimate images of another youth without consent and for the purposes of extorting money or other goods.

We’re asking children and teens to never share personal or explicit photos or videos via text or other online sharing applications. Some apps may claim that they are private or that images or videos disappear, but that may not always be the case.

Resources

The Pacific Community Resource Society has outreach programs at the City Centre Youth Hub in Whalley and the Newton Youth Hub that offer resources, education, and support for youth that might be at risk of exploitation.

When should I call police?

If you or someone you know is being extorted or exploited, please call the non-emergency number at 604-599-0502 or call our Parent Helpline at 604-599-7800.

Bullying is when someone repeatedly does or says something to hurt someone else on purpose. Bullying can take place in person through verbal or physical means, or it can take place online through electronic devices or social media to threaten, harass, embarrass, exclude or damage reputations.

Resources

Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Cyberbullying: Cybertip.ca
Immediate help: Needhelpnow.ca

Kids Help Phone
Call 1-800-668-6868
Message/text 686868
 

When should I call police?

When threats, harassment, assault, theft, and/or mischief are involved, the bullying should be reported to police. In an emergency, contact 9-1-1, otherwise call our non-emergency line at 604-599-0502.

Sexual exploitation and trafficking of youth is happening in cities across Canada. It involves any type of sexual activity or holding of youth in exchange for money, drugs, food, shelter or other considerations. Sexual exploitation or trafficking of youth is never considered prostitution or consensual. SPS works closely with Community Action Teams and local organizations to help youth who may be at risk or victims of sexual exploitation.

Resources

VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across BC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 1-800-563-0808

SPS youth officers work closely with Stop Exploiting Youth, a program offered in Surrey and Delta to provide immediate outreach response and support services to at-risk youth.
 

When should I call police?

 If you or someone you know is being sexually exploited, please notify police immediately. In an emergency, contact 9-1-1, otherwise call our non-emergency line at 604-599-0502.

SPS’s Youth Services Unit and Gang Crime Team provides programs and services aimed at deterring youth involvement in gangs, as well as assisting in exiting gang life. Our aim is to build connections with youth through programs like, youth academies and camps, and partnering with other Surrey youth programs.

Resources

Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment Program
Contact: CommunitySafety@surrey.ca

Blueprint Pathways Surrey
Contact: CommunitySafety@surrey.ca

End Gang Life
Understanding Youth in Gangs - Download the Booklet
Contact: Helpline - 604-897-6023

Yo Bro/Yo Girl Youth Initiative 
Contact: nfo@ybyg.ca

When should I call police?

If you notice illegal gang activity, it should be reported to police. In an emergency, contact 9-1-1, otherwise call our non-emergency line at 604-599-0502. If you are a parent and you suspect your child is involved in gang activities, you can also call our Parent Helpline at 604-599-7800.

Surrey Police Service’s Parent Helpline (604-599-7800) provides assistance to parents who are concerned about their children becoming involved in illegal activities. 

Through this helpline, parents can get in touch with SPS’s specialized youth officers and youth counsellors who will be able to assist them with resources, police information, and intervention services. 

Residents are reminded that the Parent Helpline is not a replacement for calling the non-emergency line (604-599-0502) if they need to report a crime, or 9-1-1 for crimes in progress or life-threatening situations.