Vancouver police will start conducting undercover patrols of the West End in part due to a recent alleged gay-bashing incident, the city’s police chief said.
“Hate crimes and gay-bashing will always be taken seriously and receive extra attention,” Chief Jim Chu said.
The patrols will be backed by a highly visible police presence in vehicles, on bicycles and on foot, and will be in addition to the department’s ongoing programs.
The number of reported hate crimes in the Vancouver area has climbed over recent years, but Chu pointed out that so has the number of arrests.
Police also released security camera footage of the suspects in the June 12 attack. On that night, two victims were beaten after confronting two men urinating in front of their home. The attackers used anti-gay slurs.
