More police patrols sought on Wreck Beach as popularity brings problems

Metro Vancouver is calling on RCMP’s UBC detachment to step up its patrols of Wreck Beach after police last year cut them back, citing limited resources, leading to more alcohol, drugs and camping problems at the increasingly popular nudist beach.

“The noticeable absence of a regular police presence posed challenges in responding to incidents involving drugs and alcohol and in closing the beach at night,” according to a parks staff report going to a meeting Wednesday of the district’s parks committee.

The region has “requested for additional RCMP support in 2023,” said the report.

The RCMP did not respond to a request for comment.

The well-known clothing-optional beach has recently exploded in popularity and Metro said changes are planned this year to make the area safer for users and more accessible to first responders.