'Turf wars' on rise among teens, regional police say

Ever since high schoolers headed back to class in the fall of 2021, investigators with Waterloo regional police have noticed an uptick in so-called "turf wars."

Basically, that's where students from one school have a problem with students from another, and meet up to fight, according to regional Police Chief Bryan Larkin. 

"The disturbing piece is around weapons being involved, and whether that's replica firearms or others, such as brass knuckles, chains and most recently, axes," said Larkin at a police services board meeting Wednesday. 

"Those are always concerning." 

One such fight in December involved a gathering of about 150 young people on the streets of downtown Kitchener, according to police. Seven teenagers have since charged, including three fourteen-year-olds. 

Last week, another teenager was arrested and had a Glock-style BB gun taken away from him in relation to a "potential turf war," Larkin said. 

Asked whether the trend also marks an increase from pre-pandemic levels, Larkin said it can be tough to pinpoint. He said this type of activity often fluctuates as students make their way through high school, graduate and move on. 

Although the type of youth crime may be shifting right now, Larkin said the total amount isn't necessarily on the rise. The total number of charges laid under the Youth Criminal Justice Act this year is about on par with where it was last year, he said. 

Rohan Thompson says these disputes are a longstanding issue, both in Waterloo region and across the country. 

Thompson, who used to manage the inREACH gang prevention program, said young people often get mixed up in this kind of activity when they don't have their basic needs met. 

"If you're happy, housed, fed, clothed, included — those are a lot of assets, and you're going to be heading in the right direction," said Thompson, who is also a licensed psychotherapist. 

"But if you aren't … then it increases the likelihood that you're going to go down a path that brings you to the attention of enforcement and policing, it increases the likelihood that you are involved in a negative activity."

While it was active, the inREACH program helped connect teens and young adults with different kinds of help — from counselling to housing assistance — to get those needs met. It also offered after-school activities, like boxing and music production, and would even pay for taxis or bus trips to help kids get there. 

Thompson said teenagers "loved" the program. Parents also liked it: an evaluation of the program found they felt safer in their neighbourhoods and noticed fewer drugs around them.