Something bizarre has become a common occurrence at Burnaby North Secondary School over the past month. While the high school has been the target of five separate threats, the school district and the RCMP aren’t saying much.
The threats began on March 9 and have continued, irregularly, through to the most recent one on April 9. The other incidents happened on March 12, March 31 and April 1, with a noticeable absence of threats during Spring Break.
Each of the threats was deemed not credible, but it’s unclear why the school is being targeted and where the threats are coming from.
1130 NewsRadio has obtained letters from Burnaby North Secondary Principal Curtis Hodgson that were sent to parents following each incident.
The letters describe the emergency protocols the school has put in place, and the “abundance of caution” that’s needed as the RCMP arrives on scene.
“I want to stress that everyone is safe and, once again, acknowledge that needing to go into emergency protocols repeatedly is frustrating and can be deeply upsetting. Our school counsellors remain available to offer their support, should you find it of value for your child,” said Hodgson in one notice.
In some cases, he adds, learning was not disrupted.
When asked, the Burnaby School District declined 1130 NewsRadio’s questions, deferring to the Burnaby RCMP.
In a statement, Mounties say they’re working on investigating the threats, acknowledged the community’s concerns, and say they’re in direct contact with the school and district.
When asked if the RCMP would increase patrols in or around the school, Cpl. Mike Kalanj says officers “patrol every corner” of Burnaby.
“Including all levels of schools from elementary to post-secondary, high-density areas such as parks and malls, and any area that has shown to be a hot spot for crime at any given time, on a regular basis,” said Kalanj.
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He declined to answer about the threats’ origin, only confirming the supposed target has always been the same. He also declined to say if all the threats are connected.
“Investigating these types of incidents is part of our core policing. When we receive a threat to a school, a business or any place, we treat that threat as real until we confirm it is not.”
Mounties suggest anyone upset by what’s happening should reach out to Victim Services, which is available 24/7 at 604-676-9700.