Vancouver police recovered a number of weapons from a tent inside the Hastings Street encampment Thursday night (Sept. 15).
Vancouver Police Department (VPD) patrol officers launched a criminal investigation earlier this week after receiving information that illicit drugs and weapons were being stored inside a tent near Main and Hastings Street.
Five people were arrested as officers seized a sawed-off shotgun, two replica pistols, ammunition, two cans of bear spray, and various axes, swords, knives, batons, and bats over the course of the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
“We continue to see an increase in weapons and violence within the encampment,” says Cst. Visintin. “Not only does this pose safety risks for the community, but now we are also hearing concerns from businesses owners on the Downtown Eastside who have lost staff because they fear coming to work.”
According to VPD, assault offences have increased 31 per cent and assault with a weapon offences have increased 45 per cent since July 1, 2022, compared to 62 days prior in the encampment.
