West Vancouver Police Department (WVPD) responded to a large group of youth gathered in Ambleside last night.

Starting at about 10 p.m., youth from several North Shore high schools were in Ambleside, some peaceful, but there were several incidents of destructive and dangerous behaviour, police say.

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Several youths were drinking alcohol, committing acts of vandalism, and there was an excessive amount of litter left behind, according to police.

WVPD states there were about 1500 youth.

“Putting public safety at risk, an Unlawful Assembly was declared near 1 a.m., and West Vancouver Police Officers advised the group to disperse. Over the next several hours, WVPD cleared the Ambleside beach and business areas and remained on scene to deal with remaining participants until 5 a.m.,” reads a statement from WVPD.

WVPD received a newly funded crime-reduction initiative that will provide additional policing support throughout the summer.

Beginning Friday night, WVPD’s Waterfront District Crime Reduction Project will use this funding to increase police deployment in West Vancouver’s busiest areas.

Stretching from the Capilano River area to Park Royal, Ambleside, the Central Business District, Dundarave, and Horseshoe Bay, residents can expect to see an increased police presence in our parks and public spaces, as well as important corridors, such as Marine Drive, the Spirit Trail, and the Centennial Seawalk.

WVPD officers will be focused on proactive deterrence, interrupting criminal activity, enforcing the law, protecting public safety, and engaging with the community.

“With school out, the World Cup underway, and a summer of festivals and public events to look forward to, WVPD is asking parents to talk to their teens about celebrating responsibly”, says Sgt. Chris Bigland.