Victoria police warn public after man pricked by needle in Beacon Hill Park

Victoria Police are warning the public after a man was pricked by an uncapped hypodermic needle in Beacon Hill Park.

The man was walking on a chip trail near Douglas St. and Avalon Rd. in Beacon Hill Park on August 22.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. he stepped off the trail onto a dirt area, felt pain in his foot, and discovered that he had been pricked by an uncapped needle.

The man took himself to hospital where he spoke with officers about the incident.

Just one day earlier, VicPD had reported that a needle had been found near Crystal Pool shortly after 7 p.m. August 21.

Officers were called to the area for a report of a man shouting and acting erratically outside, but by the time they arrived the man had left.

While on scene, police spotted six knives among a pile of discarded items and an uncapped hypodermic needle, approximately 30 feet from a children’s playground.

VicPD says there were 25 to 30 children playing in the park at the time of the incident, as well as other children using the baseball diamond and surrounding area.

Officers have increased patrols in Beacon Hill Park and the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood to increase police visibility and engagement in the area.

VicPD says they are still investigating.

Those with information about the incidents are asked to contact the police non-emergency line at 250-995-7654 and select option one for the report desk.

Anyone wishing to report information anonymously can call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.