With Halloween falling on a Saturday, Vancouver police and E-Comm are warning residents about when to call 911 and how to stay safe.
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Halloween is falling on a Saturday this year, and police and E-Comm expect it will make for a very busy night.
E-Comm said that last year, when Halloween was on a Friday, there was a 14 per cent increase in 911 calls compared with a typical Friday night in October.
E-Comm released guidance on when to use emergency lines versus non-emergency or online options. It said to call 911 only for fires, serious injuries or a public safety risk, while calls that don’t involve those dangers can be directed to non-emergency police lines or made through online crime reporting.
E-Comm also warned that regulations around fireworks vary by municipality and advised residents to check local bylaws before reporting concerns.
For thefts, E-Comm said Halloween decorations can go missing throughout the night. If someone discovers a decoration missing but sees no one nearby who may have committed the theft, it said to file a police report online or call the non-emergency line.
Noise complaints tied to Halloween parties can be handled by contacting the police non-emergency line, E-Comm said.
If there is a break-in or vandalism in progress, E-Comm said to call 911.
On the roads, E-Comm urged extra caution because there will be kids running around in residential areas. While it is encouraged to wear reflective gear on costumes, E-Comm said kids are still unpredictable and drivers should proceed carefully.
E-Comm said dangerous driving behaviour and collisions where there are injuries should be reported to 911, while minor accidents with no injuries should be reported to ICBC.
To help responders find people faster, E-Comm advised calling 911 with the street you are on, the address you are at, and landmarks or cross streets.
Vancouver Police said it is increasing patrols for Halloween, including in the Granville Entertainment District, Gastown and other neighbourhoods across the city, with about 80 extra officers expected to be out.
The Vancouver Police Department said replica weapons should be left at home and not taken out as part of a costume, because they can prompt calls to emergency services if mistaken for a real weapon. It said a weapons call triggers a serious police response and officers want to avoid unnecessary calls.
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