With graduation ceremonies on the horizon, local RCMP are hoping high school seniors choose to celebrate responsibly.
In particular, Cpl. Len vanNieuwenhuizen worries about the upsurge in bush parties and alcohol use.
“The exuberance of celebration coupled with alcohol consumption causes youth to engage in high risk behaviour that could cause harm or loss of life,” he said. “We always worry about impaired driving, and unfortunately we often experience the loss of a young life as a result of high risk behaviour. This diminishes and destroys what should be a joyous time for our community.”
RCMP ask for help from family, friends and the community to keep things safe.
They're also concerned about property-damage issues.
Reports of graffiti and vandalism at local schools spike at this time of year.
“This does not reflect school spirit and only hurts the students,” van Nieuwenhuizen said. “The money and resources it takes to repair and clean it up could be better spent in other areas. Vandalism and graffiti are criminal offenses and will be treated as such.”