Help Make Vancouver Safer
Be Informed & Take Action
You play an important role in crime prevention. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can help reduce risk and strengthen safety in your home and community.
Learn practical ways to better protect yourself, your property, and your loved ones, and contribute to a safer Vancouver for everyone.
Fraud Prevention
There are many types of fraud, with new ones invented regularly. Remaining cautious and aware is your best defence. Learn about some common types of fraud and how to prevent them.
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking involves recruiting, moving, or holding victims to exploit them. See information on what to do if you or someone you know might be being exploited.
Bike Theft
Despite enforcement, and initiatives like Bait Bikes, more than 2,000 bicycles are reported stolen in Vancouver every year. Take steps to register your bike and help prevent bike crime.
Distraction Theft
Distraction thefts continue to be a public safety issue in Vancouver. See how to protect yourself and help investigators if you are a victim.
Seniors’ Safety
Many seniors list “fear of crime” as one of their biggest concerns, even though statistics show that they are the least likely group to become victims of most types of crime. There are steps that you can take to help prevent becoming a victim of crime.
Information for Victims
VPD Victim Services staff members have specialized training in emotional support, crisis intervention, and communication skills.
Intimate Partner Violence
Violence in relationships can include intimidation and threats, as well as physical or sexual assault. Just because you don’t have physical injuries doesn’t mean you’re not being abused.
Security & Risk Reduction
All Crime Prevention & Safety Topics
Learn how you can better protect yourself, your property, and your loved ones.
An active deadly threat is when an individual is actively killing or attempting to kill people, generally in a confined and/or populated area, and, in most cases, with a firearm.
These incidents are rare in Canada, but like any serious crime, your survival could depend on being prepared.
Despite enforcement, and initiatives like Bait Bikes, more than 2,000 bicycles are reported stolen in Vancouver every year. Take steps to register your bike and help prevent bike crime.
All boaters should have formal training, such as the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron Basic Boating Course.
Make sure your vessel has at least the minimum required safety equipment for your vessel size as outlined in Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide.
Everyone has been teased at some point in their life. Getting picked on seems to be part of growing up. But some people cross the line between harmless teasing and joking with friends, to hurtful, repeated harassment and worse.
See advice for businesses on safety and preventing crime, including credit fraud, credit card fraud, cybercrime, robbery, shoplifting and more.
Teach your kids how to dial 9-1-1 and how important it is to only use it for emergencies. See tips on online safety, bullying, stranger safety, and gangs.
Review the top 10 ways to protect yourself from cybercrime, as well as social network and internet safety and protecting your privacy on electronics.
Distraction thefts continue to be a public safety issue in Vancouver. See how to protect yourself and help investigators if you are a victim.
Drug-assisted sexual assault is giving a drug to a victim that makes them no longer able to give or withhold consent for any sexual activity. Learn about the signs and symptoms you may have been drugged and sexually assaulted.
Learn about the different types of extortion and steps you can take to prevent it.
There are many types of fraud, with new ones invented regularly. Remaining cautious and aware is your best defense. Learn about types of fraud and how to report it.
Learn about some of the steps you can take to ensure your home is safer and more secure.
Human trafficking involves recruiting, moving, or holding victims to exploit them for profit, usually for sexual reasons or forced labour. See information on what to do if you or someone you know might be being exploited.
Review tips on protecting your identity and avoiding becoming a victim of identity theft.
Vancouver is a safe city and violent crime is not common. As in any other big city, however, thefts, pick-pocketing, and small crimes do happen. Learn how to protect yourself.
More people are turning to online dating sites in search of romantic partners. There are steps you can take to help increase your safety and reduce the chances you will meet someone very different than you were expecting.
Many people fear the possibility of being robbed or assaulted while outside the safety of their home, and though these incidents are rare, they do happen. There are some basic steps that you can take to help prevent becoming a victim, as well as some tips on what to do if it does happen.
Property theft continues to be an issue in Vancouver. One of the best ways to help prevent becoming a victim is to keep a close eye on your belongings.
Safety on our roads continues to be a shared responsibility between all users – pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Learn how to increase safety for yourself and others.
Many seniors list “fear of crime” as one of their biggest concerns, even though statistics show that they are the least likely group to become victims of most types of crime. There are steps that you can take to help prevent becoming a victim of crime.
Sex trafficking is a form of human trafficking that involves recruiting, moving, or holding victims for sexual exploitation purposes. Learn the signs to watch for.
The VPD is committed to building trust and helping people in the sex industry stay safe. All VPD officers receive training on the challenges sex workers may face when reporting crime, such as stigma, fear of being judged, and past negative experiences with police.
Lean about sexual consent and what to do if you are sexually assaulted.
Theft from vehicles continues to be a common crime in Vancouver, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk, expense, and inconvenience.
Innovative Policing
Other Safety Initiatives
Block Watch
Get to know the people on your block or in your complex or building to help prevent crime from happening in your neighbourhood.
Body-Worn Cameras
Many of our VPD officers are now equipped with body-worn cameras to strength public safety, and enhance transparency, trust, and accountability.
Community Crime Watch
Community Crime Watch volunteers report suspicious activity or crimes in progress, including break-ins, mischief, impaired driving, and stolen vehicles.
Drones
The VPD uses Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, otherwise known as drones, to support public safety, aid in investigations, and help resolve critical incidents.
Project Access
Property managers and strata corporations can voluntarily ensure access for police when potentially life-threatening or urgent incidents arise.
Speed Watch
Speed Watch volunteers use radar and electronic signboards to monitor speeds for driver awareness, including school and playground zones.
Trespass Prevention Program
Multi-residential and commercial property owners give police officers the authority to come onto their property and enforce the BC Trespass Act.
Vancouver SHIELD
Vancouver SHIELD is a partnership between security-minded organizations and the private sector to strengthen Vancouver against terrorism, violent extremism, and property crime.
