After several years of rowdy Halloween parties at the University of Victoria, Saanich police say they’re “certainly happy” with how things have gone so far this year.
Extra police officers were deployed to the UVic area on Friday and Saturday to help campus security manage Halloween parties, and to discourage any non-residents from coming to the school.
“We also had our public safety unit deployed there for a portion of the weekend, all in the effort to make the campus a safe and harmonious environment for students and staff,” said Saanich police Detective Sgt. Damien Kowalewich.
In years past, fireworks, alcohol and “wild parties” caused damage to the school.
In 2022, a bathroom was smashed and destroyed as hundreds of students were filmed partying outside Richard Wilson Hall Residence.
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The damaged bathroom last year is shown. (Submitted)
In years past, UVic has sent out notices to residents saying guests that do not live on campus were not allowed to visit during the Halloween weekend, in an effort to contain parties.
By the numbers
On Friday, 50 cars were turned away because “the occupants, we believe, did not live on campus,” said Kowalewich.
Another three people were escorted off campus for trespassing, while four students required medical treatment for intoxication.
Kowalewich says paramedics were called to assist the four students, while another young man was arrested for being “severely intoxicated” in a public place.
“Large quantities of alcohol were poured out over the night,” he said.
The following day, on Saturday, police handed out nine violation tickets, mostly related to open liquor, according to Kowalewich.
Overall, he says the number of tickets and complaints was typical for Halloween time.
“We’re certainly happy with the outcome so far through this Halloween weekend,” he said.
“Of course, Oct. 31 is still going to happen, but typically the parties do happen on those weekend nights that precede the actual Halloween night itself, so we feel like we’re happy with the outcome.”
He notes that additional Saanich police officers will be working across the municipality on Halloween night to make sure the evening is safe for everyone.
Adam Chan
