Vancouver Police Target Bear Spray Sellers to Curb Youth Crime

The Vancouver Police Department is implementing a crackdown on businesses suspected of selling bear spray to minors, aiming to curb a recent rise in youth-involved bear spray incidents. Between January 1 and August 15 of 2026, police recorded 104 cases, a notable increase from the 83 cases during the same period last year. Detectives from the Youth Investigative Unit inspected 27 businesses across the city, focusing on those believed to be selling bear spray, coyote spray, and dog-repellent spray. This proactive measure seeks to identify sources of bear spray for young individuals and ensure adherence to city bylaws. These bylaws stipulate that bear spray can only be sold to individuals aged 19 and over, with businesses required to maintain sales records for twelve months. As a result of these inspections, three businesses were fined a combined total of $4,000 for multiple bylaw infractions. Inspector Dave Balance emphasized that reducing youth access to bear spray is a critical priority for the Vancouver Police Service, with the hope that this enforcement will decrease assaults involving the product and improve overall community safety. It is also important to note that carrying bear spray for self-defense in urban areas is illegal under Canadian law.