Three 14-year-olds caught on surveillance camera in August slashing vehicle tires, causing more than $1,000 in damage, have written apology letters and paid for the damage through a restorative-justice program.
Each also donated a Christmas hamper to charity.
The trio was caught after West Shore RCMP investigated an Aug. 23 report of tires being slashed on three vehicles in the parking lot of the West Shore Town Centre in Langford.
The youths were identified from the camera images, and all admitted to the tire-slashing.
After their parents were notified, police opted to refer the youths to the West Shore Restorative Justice Program.
The program is run by police-department volunteers and involves accused individuals taking ownership of their actions and agreeing to pay reparations — thereby keeping them out of the court system.
All parties involved in the August incident came together at a recent forum, police said.
The process, which was completed this week, involved the youths writing letters of apology, as well as paying combined fines of $1,050 to cover the cost of replacing the tires.
“The youth were all very remorseful and sincere in giving their apologies to the victims,” said West Shore restorative-justice co-ordinator Randie Johal.
jbell@timescolonist.com
