Skip to main content

Police warn of increasingly aggressive behaviour in local youths at Hamilton festival and fairs

A Hamilton police cruiser can be seen in this undated filed photo. A Hamilton police cruiser can be seen in this undated filed photo.

Hamilton police are warning of a “concerning” spike in youth-related robberies and swarming incidents at recent festivals and fairs.

On Aug. 4, officers responded to a swarming incident in Hamilton that culminated in physical violence and a robbery just before 10 p.m. Police say they arrested a 15-year-old boy and charged him with robbery.

Later in the month, on Aug. 26, similar incidents occurred at the Peach Festival, with “multiple reports from concerned parents” about children being victimized by other children, according to police. It is alleged that multiple physical altercations among teachers were reported over the course of the festival.

Then, at the Binbrrok Fair on Sept. 16, officers responded to a physical altercation between two teenage girls. Police say over 50 onlookers were watching the fight and “actively encouraging it” by filming.

Officers from the Hamilton Police Service say they are taking measures to address these issues, particularly as the region’s Ancaster Fair and Rockton Fair approach.

Police have advised locals to avoid displaying valuables, including smartphones, jewelry and wallets, and to travel in groups and stay vigilant.

Anyone with information on a crime involving Hamilton youths is asked to contact Hamilton police at 905-546-4725.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Ontario doctors disciplined over Israel-Gaza protests

A number of doctors are facing scrutiny for publicizing their opinions on the Israel-Hamas war. Critics say expressing their political views could impact patient care, while others say that it is being used as an excuse for censorship.

'No concessions' St-Onge says in $100M a year news deal with Google

The Canadian government has reached a deal with Google over the Online News Act that will see the tech giant pay $100 million annually to publishers, and continue to allow access to Canadian news content on its platform. This comes after Google had threatened to block news on its platform when the contentious new rules come into effect next month.

Live updates

Live updates Hamas frees 10 Israeli women and children, 4 Thai nationals

Ten Israeli women and children and four Thai nationals held captive in Gaza were freed by Hamas, and Israel followed with the release of a group of Palestinian prisoners Thursday. It was the latest exchange of hostages for prisoners under a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza war. Two Russian-Israeli women were also freed by Hamas in a separate release.

opinion

opinion Don Martin: With Trudeau resignation fever rising, a Conservative nightmare appears

With speculation rising that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will follow his father's footsteps in the snow to a pre-election resignation, political columnist Don Martin focuses on one Liberal cabinet minister who's emerging as leadership material -- and who stands out as a fresh-faced contrast to the often 'angry and abrasive' leader of the Conservatives.

Stay Connected