Photo: Brendan Kergin. VPD confiscated a number of dangerous weapons from the scene near Main and Hastings streets. Vancouver police recovered a number of weapons from a tent inside the Hastings Street encampment on Thursday night (September 15). Vancouver Police Department (VPD) patrol officers began a criminal investigation earlier this week after receiving information that illegal drugs and weapons were being stored inside a tent near Main and Hastings streets. Five people were arrested as officers seized a sawed-off shotgun, two replica pistols, ammunition, two canisters of bear spray and various axes, swords, knives, clubs and clubs during the search. The investigation remains ongoing. “We continue to see an increase in weapons and violence within the camp,” says Cst. Visintin. “Not only does this pose safety risks to the community, but we are also now hearing concerns from Downtown Eastside business owners who have lost staff because they are afraid to come to work.” According to the VPD, assault offenses are up 31 percent and assault offenses with a weapon are up 45 percent since July 1, 2022, compared to 62 days before the encampment.
