As the Vancouver Canucks begin their post-season run police across the Lower Mainland are still dealing with the aftermath of last year's Stanley Cup Riot.
Two young offenders from Coquitlam are the latest to have charges approved against them. Both are facing one count of participating in a riot, while one is also facing a count of break and enter and the other has been charged with mischief.
Because the pair are young offenders, their names cannot be released.
With the latest announcement the Vancouver Police Department said they have surpassed the 500th charge recommended against Stanley Cup rioters.
The VPD said more charges could also be on the way, after the Integrated Riot Investigation Team delivered what it calls round six to the Crown, with an additional 76 recommended charges against 25 people.
Some of the charges involve a 25-year-old Port Moody man, who allegedly threw a newspaper box through the window of a clothing store.
He was also observed vandalizing a Mini Cooper parked in the 500-block of W. Georgia Street before attempting to light a couch on fire. Later he is allegedly seen committing a break-and-enter at a drug store.
Police are recommending charges of participating in a riot, two counts of mischief, break and enter, disguise with intent, arson and possession of incendiary material. The name of the accused will not be released until Crown approves the charges.
A campaign involving Facebook ads was also launched Wednesday that police said will reach up to 160,000 viewers a day. The ads will appear on Facebook profiles of 15 to 27 year olds who live in the Lower Mainland, Kelowna, Kamloops, Victoria, Nanaimo and Prince George.
To date, police have recommended 508 charges against 175 rioters. Crown has officially laid 225 charges against 85 rioters.
Several other Tri-City residents have already been charged and one man, Ryan Dickinson, received a 17-month jail sentence.
As the Stanley Cup playoffs get underway once again in the Lower Mainland the RCMP are telling residents that many lessons were learned after last year's incident.
Sgt. Peter Thiessen said RCMP commanders have taken part in additional training in managing large events and that agencies have been preparing for the upcoming NHL post-season.
"We're working collectively to ensure the we're well-versed in each other's techniques and strategies and are prepared for any eventuality," he said.
"We're in the early days and the playoffs have just started. While we're cheering for the Canucks alongside everyone else, we're asking fans to celebrate responsible and keep the alcohol at home."
