The threat of possible terrorist attacks around the world on Friday the 13th isn't being taken lightly by Vancouver law enforcement.
While they haven't identified any specific threats in the region, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is aware of ongoing safety risks in the midst of the current Palestine-Israel conflict.
Following Hamas attacks over the weekend and Israel's subsequent declaration of war, Former Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal has called on people around the world to go into the streets and show their support for Palestinians on Friday, Oct. 13, according to Reuters.
Although Meshaal did not directly ask for violence, many people have voiced concerns about incidents potentially taking place in Canada.
In Toronto, Police Chief Myron Demkiw advised that there were "currently no credible threats" to the city's Jewish communities following the global online threat, but that "there will be an increased police presence at places of worship and in communities."
Toronto police will work closely with its federal and provincial partners to ensure coordination and information sharing.
Vancouver police respond to Friday the 13th concerns
VPD Sgt. Steve Addison told V.I.A. that "many of the residents here in Vancouver are also concerned for their safety," adding that the department has increased police patrol near places of worship and community centres. It will also continue to deploy officers to all gatherings and demonstrations to ensure that they remain peaceful.
"Many in our community remain horrified by the attacks on Israel and the escalation of violence in the Middle East. Although these events are unfolding thousands of kilometres away, they reverberate strongly throughout our city," he said.
"While there is currently no specific threat to any location in Vancouver, we’re closely monitoring global events to assess the risk of violence and disorder in the city."
Metro Vancouver Transit Police Const. Amanda Steed advised anyone who sees anything suspicious on Friday, Oct. 13 - or any other day - to report it to Transit Police.
Transit Police officers will be wearing high visibility vests to make them easier to spot and Transit Police dispatchers can be reached by phone at 604-515-8300 or by text at 87-77-77.
"Building system resiliency is a Transit Police operational priority. One way that we do that is through the deployment of explosive scent detection dogs who conduct regular patrols of the transit system," she told V.I.A.
