York Regional Police this week re-launched a program to combat incidents of mischief and threats similar to those seen in Canada’s Wonderland on its opening last weekend.
A YRP media release said Operation Beehave, which was first launched in July 2022, will continue through the summer this year as needed.
“Officers deployed as part of the operation will investigate reports of disruptive or threatening behaviour in the Jane Street and Norwood Avenue area and in surrounding plazas and parking lots. Criminal charges will be laid when warranted,” the media release said.
Chaotic videos on TikTok showed multiple people, mostly teenagers, getting involved in fights at the theme park in Vaughan.
One Twitter user called the park a “war zone,” and another commented on the need for chaperones accompanying people under 18.
Sgt. Clint Whitney from the YRP said the force responded to several calls last weekend at Wonderland and the area around it for various minor incidents and issues of disorderly conduct.
“On Saturday May 6 a number of guests were removed from the park due to unruly behaviour and altercations,” Grace Peacock, Director of Communications for Canada’s Wonderland, said in an email statement to Humber News.
Peacock said the theme park does not tolerate “unruly behaviour,” and has enhanced its security and police presence to provide a safe, family-friendly environment for its guests.
Police have urged parents “who are not able to supervise their teens to have conversations about the consequences of such criminal acts.”
Guidelines under Canada’s Wonderland’s Guest Code of Conduct “strongly recommend that minors (under 18) be accompanied by an adult. The park does not assume any responsibility or liability for unattended minors.”
Many theme parks in the U.S. including Knott’s Berry Farm, Kings Island, Carowinds, Kings Dominion, and California’s Great America have recently introduced a chaperone policy to their websites to avoid such incidents during summer.
Whitney said some arrests were made and several guests were escorted from the park, but no criminal charges were laid.
“York Regional Police continues to work with Canada’s Wonderland security, community members and business owners to ensure the area remains safe for guests, staff, local businesses and customers,” Whitney said in a written statement to Humber News.
He also said York Regional Police is increasing their presence and enforcement efforts to deter criminal incidents and unruly behaviour occurring in and around this area.
Peacock said visitors are encouraged to report any violations of the Guest Code of Conduct or suspicious activity to the nearest Canada’s Wonderland associate, Security associate, or call 905-832-7535 from their mobile device.
People with information should contact the York Regional Police #4 Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7445, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.