Vancouver police are increasing security for this year's Celebration of Light fireworks festival, and have put a warning out that parents could be held responsible for kids who get drunk and damage property.
Chief Jim Chu announced Thursday that police would "vigorously enforce liquor laws" and patrol for property crimes during the popular event – but said parents should keep an eye on their own children.
"If we stop a youth under 19 for drinking, we may be phoning his or her parents to deal appropriately with them," Chu said in a statement.
If they fail to respond and the child ends up damaging private property, Chu said the parents could be liable under B.C.'s Parental Responsibility Act.
"Know where your children are and take steps to make sure they are not breaking the law," Chu said. "If you don't, you could find yourself in court."
Tens of thousands of people are expected to turn up this Saturday for China's fireworks presentation, marking the largest public gathering in the city since the Stanley Cup riot.
Reinforcements are coming from across Metro Vancouver to help monitor the crowds, including Mounties, transit police and members of the Abbotsford, New Westminster, Delta, West Vancouver and Port Moody police departments.
The Vancouver Police Department's 150-person Citizens' Crime Watch team has also agreed to provide additional eyes and ears on the street, Chu added.
Updates on road closures, trouble spots and transit information will be available on fireworks nights on the department's Twitter account @VancouverPD.
