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Broken windows, vandalism reported

Police investigating mischief calls over long weekend
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VILLAGE VANDALISM Friday night the Grocery Store and a number of other Whistler businesses suffered damage following a vandalism spree that, according to the RCMP, went from the village to the Benchlands. Photo by John French

Whistler RCMP members and additional police resources called in to help keep the peace over the long weekend are investigating several reports of vandalism to buildings and vehicles over the weekend. Several windows were broken at local businesses, and several cars were also reported vandalized.

There were over 14 mischief-related calls on Friday night alone, according to a report on CTV. Complete details were not available on Monday morning.

Police do have security camera footage from some of the incidents, but have not released any images at this point. It's possible that the same group was involved in multiple cases, although that has yet to be confirmed.

No one area was targetted, and incidents have been reported across the village from the Marketplace to Village Square to the Upper Village.

The Victoria Day long weekend has long been an issue in Whistler, drawing high school graduation classes and other young visitors from the Lower Mainland that take advantage of early season hotel rates to come to the resort to party. It's also become a rite of passage in some circles to come to Whistler with the goal of making mischief.

To keep a handle on things, RCMP have an operational plan in place with hotels and nightclubs, and bring in additional members to boost their presence on the village. As well, integrated teams from the Lower Mainland that specialize in gangs and highway safety also assist.

Whistler Glass did not have any staff on duty over the weekend, but Brian Fish, one of the owners, agreed to help a friend who's store was vandalized in the early hours on Saturday. While walking into the area he came across another damaged window at a local coffee shop and offered his assistance to the property manager as well.

"There are probably a lot of messages on the phone (at their office) right now, and every indication is that it's going to be a busy day for us tomorrow (Tuesday)," he said. "The retailers I've spoken to are all pretty frustrated."

While repairing the damage, Fish said a few people who passed by witnessed the event, and said it was a group of four or five men "cheering each other on and causing havoc."

The resort was otherwise busy with the opening of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, the Peak Invitational Dance Competition and the Whistler All British Car Run & Show at Whistler Olympic Plaza.

More to follow.