A week-long project by the Prince George RCMP's downtown safety unit has yielded a large haul of weapons.
Among the weapons seized were four bats, several axes and hatchets, over 15 knives, machetes and other edged weapons, bear spray, two pellet guns and an improvised firearm, bolt cutters and several impact weapons, including a pipe and a large piece of steel.
RCMP said they were taken from various individuals in response to increasing complaints of violence and violent behaviour in the downtown core.
"The number of weapons seized in downtown Prince George in this short period of time is certainly concerning to me as a police officer," community policing unit commander Sgt. Kurt Chapman said. "With the proliferation of drugs in this area, many of the residents arm themselves with weapons to protect against the ever-present threat of violence. My concern is for those who live and work in the downtown core."
RCMP also released a photo displaying the weapons police uncovered.
“The intention of the weapons display is to make citizens aware of what is being possessed by some people in the downtown core, and to act accordingly in regard to their personal safety,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.
