Hell Night activities appear to have been somewhat muted this year, in comparison to the issues experienced in years past.
That’s according to Delta Police who had increased patrols on Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning in both South and North Delta, to try and address any issues quickly, and to act as a deterrence.
“Police were pleased that the majority of youth opted to be responsible, and vandalism of school, city or personal property was largely averted this year,” said Delta Police spokesperson Cris Leykauf. “That said, officers did respond to multiple reports of youths gathering in North Delta and South Delta on Sept. 6 and 7.”
In North Delta, the Delta Fire Department was called out just before 1 a.m. to prevent the ignition of a diesel fueled fire on the fields of Seaquam Secondary. Fire retardant foam was used to knock down the fire, said Leykauf.
In Ladner youths gathered at a number of parks. In each instance the youths dispersed upon police arrival.
In Tsawwassen police seized liquor for destruction from youths gathered at Winskill Park and at Dennison Park, police conducting patrols, observed a male spray painting the exterior bathroom wall. The male fled, and the City of Delta will be notified of the damage.
On Tuesday afternoon, DPD posted a message on its Facebook page notifying the public of its planned additional patrols, as well, that the department, through the Delta School District, reached out to parents of Grade 12 students asking parents to discourage youths from participating in Hell Night.
Hell Night has become a Delta tradition going back decades where the start of the school year has been marked by large gatherings of youth, underage drinking, and sometimes vandalism and destruction of property throughout the community.
