Police target youth-related crime on Hamilton Mountain

Hamilton police released the results today of ‘Project Street Light’, an initiative aimed at combatting youth-related crime on Hamilton Mountain after growing community safety concerns.

By targeting robberies, assaults, vehicle thefts and disorderly behaviour, officers conducted compliance checks, increased plainclothes presence and focused on areas frequented by young people to enhance public safety.

The Division 3 initiative took place over a number of weeks in February and March.

“Hamilton police has seen a troubling rise in youth-related crime, including stolen autos, violent assaults, robberies and mischief,” says Inspector Sabrina Feser.

Many of the incidents involved the use of weapons, including bear sprays.

The initiative resulted in 119 charges being laid, 49 arrests — including 19 young offenders — 53 compliance checks and nine weapons seized. Weapons confiscated ranged from firearms and imitation guns to bear spray and brass knuckles.