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Police in Squamish are warning the public not to engage in vigilantism after being alerted to social media posts claiming to expose suspects in recent investigations.
The RCMP issued a statement on Wednesday saying none of the people in recent photos posted online has been identified as a threat to public safety, and said police are doing everything possible to protect the community.
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Const. Kelly Wu said police are were aware of “recent concerns circulating on social media regarding public safety within our community.”
Wu said police investigate all reports of possible criminality, and anyone with concerns about suspicious activity should call police.
“While some of our work may not be immediately visible, we are continuously active in our efforts to protect the community,” Staff Sgt. Gareth Bradley said in the statement. “This includes patrolling neighbourhoods, following up on investigations, working with community partners, and addressing emerging issues.”
“Public involvement and vigilance play an important role in our community, but we must remind residents to avoid taking matters into their own hands,” said Bradley.
“Engaging in acts of vigilantism places individuals at personal risk and has targeted innocent people in this community. Vigilantism may also inadvertently interfere with ongoing investigations, jeopardizing the safety of others and potentially compromising the legal process.
“Public safety is best upheld when citizens and law enforcement work together in a spirit of trust and collaboration.”
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Bradley insisted “there is no current threat to public safety. Our officers have thoroughly assessed the situation and determined that there is no immediate danger to residents.”
Wu said the warning comes after innocent people called to report their photos had been posted online, despite the fact “they have nothing to do with the alleged incidents.”
RCMP investigated an alleged child abduction attempt in February after an 11-year-old boy said he was approached by a man who asked if he wanted to get in his truck. The report turned out to be unfounded and police said at the time there was no public safety risk.
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