Vancouver – Vancouver Police released new data today, showing violence and street crime dropping in the Downtown Eastside since a dedicated police task force was launched three months ago.
“We created Task Force Barrage to target criminals and predators who have made the Downtown Eastside dangerous for people who live there,” says Inspector Gary Hiar, commanding officer of Task Force Barrage.
“While we’re making life harder for violent offenders and organized criminals, we’re also working with the community to improve safety and build relationships. This work will require a sustained effort and there’s still a long road ahead.”
Task Force Barrage Key Metrics:
- 745 weapons seized
- 79 guns seized (14 real/65 replica)
- 414 warrant arrests (5/day)
- 258 reports to Crown counsel (3/day)
* February 13 to May 13
Under Task Force Barrage, VPD has deployed additional teams of officers to Gastown, Chinatown, and Hastings Street to maintain high visibility and suppress street violence. The extra officers allow police to deter crime and respond quickly when incidents do occur.
In addition to more front-line officers, VPD is also conducting coordinated investigations to target violent offenders and organized criminals, working with staff from housing providers, and helping the City of Vancouver address street disorder and sanitation issues.
Data from the past three months shows violence and most property crime trending lower in the Downtown Eastside and surrounding neighbourhoods – Gastown, Chintatown, and Strathcona – compared to 2024.
Violent Crime
- Downtown Eastside ↓ 13 per cent
- Gastown ↓ 13 per cent
- Chinatown ↓ 26 per cent
- Strathcona ↓ 14 per cent
Serious Assaults
- Downtown Eastside ↓13 per cent
- Gastown ↓ 17 per cent
- Chinatown ↓ 17 per cent
- Strathcona ↓ 20 per cent
Robberies
- Downtown Eastside ↓ 35 per cent
- Gastown no change
- Chinatown ↓ 57 per cent
- Strathcona ↓ 9 per cent
Commercial Break and Enters
- Downtown Eastside ↓ 42 per cent
- Gastown ↓ 47 per cent
- Chinatown ↓86 per cent
- Strathcona ↓67 per cent
Residential Break and Enters
- Downtown Eastside ↓38 per cent
- Gastown no change
- Chinatown ↓ 25 per cent
- Strathcona ↑43 per cent (increase from 7-10)
* Strathcona is Waterfront Road (north) to Prior Street (south) and from Main Street (west) to Jackson Avenue (east).
Related News:
Sex offender arrested in Downtown Eastside by VPD’s Task Force Barrage – Vancouver Police Department
Zone 43 gangster arrested by VPD’s Task Force Barrage – Vancouver Police Department
VPD provides Task Force Barrage update – Vancouver Police Department
VPD arrests fugitive living in Downtown Eastside under false name – Vancouver Police Department
VPD investigates Downtown Eastside homicide – Vancouver Police Department
VPD re-arrests high-risk offender in Downtown Eastside – Vancouver Police Department
Suspect arrested after VPD officers set on fire – Vancouver Police Department
VPD initiative reduces street crime in Gastown, Hastings Crossing – Vancouver Police Department
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