Vancouver restricts sale of bear repellent increasingly used in crimes
Vancouver Police say crimes involving bear spray increased 68% from 2018 to 2022.
Vancouver City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to restrict the sale of bear spray following a significant spike in its use in raids and thefts.
The new regulations prohibit merchants from selling bear spray, which is normally used to repel bears, to minors. ID.
Companies selling bear spray will also be required to keep a sales record for one year.
Vancouver Police reported to City Council that crimes involving bear spray increased 68% from 2018 to 2022, with a total of 729 crimes in 2022.
It's very common for shop robbers to brandish a bear spray, said Sergeant Steve Addison. We see it in violent street attacks in places like the Downtown Eastside, he adds.
Vancouver Police also pointed out that young people are increasingly using bear spray as a weapon.
Councillor Pete Fry asked council what could be done about people walking around with spray bear spray in Vancouver.
There's no reason to have bear spray in Vancouver. There are no bears in Vancouver!
City staff and Vancouver Police have clarified that possession of a bear spray is legal if it is not intended to be used as a weapon against other people.
With information from Liam Britten
