TWO of North Vancouver's biggest tourist attractions are teaming up with the RCMP to offer a new work experience program to students.
The volunteers, who need to be 16 or older, will patrol the parking lots of Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge and warn visitors not to leave valuables in their cars.
The number of car break-ins rises during the summer months, when tourists and locals visit the popular destinations.
"It's very embarrassing when these people have chosen to come here from other countries, and then they get all their items stolen," said Cpl. Jane Cameron of the North Vancouver RCMP. "It's not really a good reflection on the area."
Grouse Mountain had five or six break-ins last summer, said Sarah Lusk, a spokeswoman for the attraction. The ski resort already has warning signs up, regular parking lot patrols and offers a bag check, but "it's always a little bit of a problem, especially if people leave cameras and iPods and wallets, et cetera, within view."
The students will get training in health and safety from Grouse Mountain, customer service from Capilano Suspension Bridge, community building from the District of North Vancouver and police leadership from the RCMP. Students who are interested in taking part in the volunteer program can call the RCMP at 604-990-2342.
