BC Transit and Sooke RCMP are increasing patrols along Sooke and West Coast Roads following 10 pellet gun incidents involving transit buses. The majority of the incidents occurred between October and November 2013, with three more buses hit by pellets between March and May 2014.
“We are concerned about the safety of our operators and customers; increasing public awareness of the ongoing pellet gun incidents may lead to information that will assist authorities in bringing these senseless acts to an end,” said Brian Anderson, BC Transit COO and Vice President of Operations.
Damage as a result of the incidents has cost BC Transit nearly $12,000 in repairs or replacement of front windshields. While there have been no injuries as a result of the 10 incidents, the potential for serious harm is what has authorities and BC Transit concerned.
Sooke RCMP and BC Transit will have staff and volunteers on buses to enhance the safety and security of BC Transit’s employees and customers.
"These criminal acts put the bus driver and passengers at significant risk", states Staff Sgt. Jeff McArthur, Detachment Commander of the Sooke RCMP. "We will be working closely with BC Transit to ensure the safety of their passengers, while continuing our efforts to identify those responsible for these crimes. If you have any information that may help our investigators, please call the Sooke RCMP, or Crime Stoppers immediately."
The Sooke RCMP
non-emergency number is 250.642.5241.
Crime Stoppers is 1.800.222.8477.