VANCOUVER Police released new data on Thursday 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,” said 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 frontline officers, VPD said it 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).
