VPD increases patrols, urges Canucks fans to cheer responsibly

Vancouver police are urging fans to keep their emotions and drinking in check ahead of Tuesday night’s Canucks game.

Officers say they’re expecting an even larger crowd than Sunday, when game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs kicked off.

In anticipation, Sgt. Steve Addison says the Vancouver Police Department will be increasing patrols outside Rogers Arena and around transit.

“We’re going to have officers around transit hubs, we’ll have officers on bicycles who are able to move around the city and respond quickly, as well as quick response teams that are available,” he said.

Addison says everyone has a role to play in ensuring a safe evening.

“Celebrate responsibly. We don’t want to see people walking around with open liquor. A lot of the problems that happen in terms of violence, fights, disorder, occur when people are overconsuming liquor,” Addison said.

This reminder comes after police applauded the public for their behaviour during Sunday’s game, when only one person was arrested near Rogers Arena.

Metro Vancouver Transit Police is also urging people to report any suspicious behavior, since thousands are expected to be out utilizing transit.