Police presence to increase at Canada’s Wonderland after ‘unruly’ opening weekend
Posted May 11, 2023 10:35 am.
Last Updated May 11, 2023 11:57 am.
York Regional Police (YRP) has launched an operation focused on expanded law enforcement at Canada’s Wonderland after several arrests were made at the popular theme park last weekend.
A park spokesperson confirmed with CityNews that multiple people were escorted from the grounds on Saturday, May 6, following several altercations at Canada’s Wonderland.
YRP told CityNews that while investigators can’t comment directly on a number of videos that have surfaced online depicting a chaotic scene, a spokesperson confirmed officers were called to Canada’s Wonderland last weekend.
“Reports included disputes, robberies and assaults. Some of the investigations have been concluded, and others remain ongoing,” the YRP spokesperson said.
While no charges were laid, YRP said several guests were escorted from the park by police.
RELATED: Canada’s Wonderland opening weekend overshadowed by several arrests, ‘unruly behaviour’
On Thursday, investigators announced “Operation Beehave” as police ramp up efforts to combat incidents of mischief, threats and unruly behaviour.
The police force noted that “Operation Beehave” has been successful in the past as robbery, disturbances, and mischief incidents declined.
A YRP spokesperson said officers would be deployed to investigate reports of disruptive or threatening behaviour in the Jane Street and Norwood Avenue area in Vaughan and surrounding plazas and parking lots. Criminal charges will be laid when warranted, YRP said in a news release.
Investigators are also urging parents to monitor their children as the aforementioned reports of unruly behaviour involved teenagers at the park alone.
“We urge parents who are not able to supervise their teens to have conversations about the consequences of such criminal acts. Youths can face very serious charges, as well as being prohibited from returning to the park and the surrounding businesses,” YRP said.
The police force added that it would work with Canada’s Wonderland security, community members and business owners to ensure the area remains safe for guests this summer.
