‘Disruptive’ weekend of grad parties in North Vancouver, RCMP say

A machete police say they seized from a teenager during a grad party in North Vancouver on Saturday, June 20, is shown in this handout image.

Police are urging parents to speak to their children about safety after a “disruptive weekend” of grad parties in North Vancouver.

Local RCMP say they received several reports of “disorderly behaviour” in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood on Saturday, including large groups of teenagers drinking alcohol at parks and on school grounds, setting off fireworks, setting fires, getting in fights and throwing beer cans.

After one person reported a group of 40 teens who were causing a disturbance, one of the youth allegedly assaulted the complainant, police said, adding the victim was not seriously hurt.

The suspect fled the scene when officers attempted to arrest him, but not before police seized a large machete off him, according to the detachment.

Police have not identified the youth and their investigation is ongoing.

“Guardians play an essential role in guiding their children and helping them make informed decisions,” North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mansoor Sahak said, in a statement Monday.

“We urge parents to have open and honest conversations with their teens about how to make good choices, and the possible outcomes and consequences of poor decisions.”

The detachment says officers will take a “proactive approach” throughout the summer when it comes to liquor rules and bylaw violations.