Sunshine Coast RCMP are hoping the recent rash of graffiti incidents in the Town of Gibsons has come to an end.
Acting on tips provided by the public, police were able to identify the youth responsible for a three-month graffiti spree in the Gibsons area.
Const. Jason Aho said once police identified the 16-year-old youth, he was spoken to by police and was asked to come to the detachment to make a statement."Once we started talking to him, he provided a full confession for 20 counts of mischief in the Gibsons area," said Aho. "The youth has expressed remorse for his actions and the matter will be dealt with through the community justice program."
Aho said he is a big advocate of the program and has put it into practice successfully on the Sunshine Coast.
Late last year, police dealt with a rash of break-ins and vandalism to businesses and the elementary school in Halfmoon Bay. The youths responsible for those incidents went through the justice program and had to pay back the money incurred by the damage and perform community service.
"The program does work - I'm a strong believer in it," said Aho. "The youth responsible for the Gibsons incidents has already gone out and found a part-time job, knowing he will probably have to pay for the damage that he caused. He's already trying to make amends. It will be up to those in the program to decide what level of punishment or restitution will be given to the youth."
Aho said it will be up to the justice program co-ordinator, the youth, his parents and his victims when they will sit down and start the process.
"We're hoping that the incidents of graffiti will stop, but we still have several other on-going investigations," he said.
Police have yet to identify suspects responsible for the break-ins to the Gibsons Minor Ball Association batting cage in Brothers Park or the damage to Gibsons municipal hall and the Persephone last November.
