Vancouver burns, but learns anonymity in an age of social media is impossible

In the wake of Vancouver's unsuccessful attempt to capture the Stanley Cup for the first time in their 40 year history, the streets were blighted by the grip of a few bottom feeders, aided by peer pressured youths and gawking crowds.

In reality, only about 10% of the crowd were actually causing any trouble, by overturning any unfortunate vehicle, porta-potty and garbage bin in their path. Several troublemakers showed up with gasoline, and I imagine it was not in case their car ran out.

But what of the other 90%? Thousands and thousands stood by and watched as willful and wanton destruction took place. Many recorded and photographed what they saw. A select few intervened but were quickly, and brutally, beaten down, for their attempts at being a Good Samaritan. To those, I feel truly sorry.

However, I am very concerned by the number of onlookers that remained in Vancouver's downtown during the events. How many burning cars and smashed windows do you need to see? Some people claim they were 'stuck' downtown. A ludicrous claim at best. Sure, it might take a longer walk, but if it means leaving the scene of a terrible crime, then do it!

Looting is the most brainless form of theft, thinking that the anonymity of the crowd means that stealing is more acceptable, because the 'item' was right there in front of you. Needless to say, the Louis Vutton bags on Craigslist the next day were more than likely stolen the night before.

Not to get into a legal lesson, but once the police have read the riot act, which they did in Vancouver on Wednesday night, you have the time the police have allowed to disperse and head home. Staying in the group now constitutes a crime, and the Vancouver Police Department gave rioters 10 minutes to disperse. As we saw on the night, many did not follow the advice.

Now the VPD has said that from all those pictures and videos taken, responsible citizens should identify those involved to help rounding up those responsible. Vancouverites have taken to the task in an unbelievable way. Mutliple groups on Facebook now exist to identify and shame those involved. One rioter had his Facebook status become so infamous, that he ended up trending on Twitter. Type in Brock Anton on Google or Twitter and you will see.

Tomorrow, I will talk about the efforts made by the brighter side of Vancouver to clean the city, and make some kind of recompense for the damage done by those intent on destruction.