Overview
- Task Force Barrage, launched on February 13, 2025, has led to a 13–26% drop in violent crime across the Downtown Eastside, Gastown, Chinatown, and Strathcona compared to 2024.
- Serious assaults have decreased by 13–20% in the targeted areas, with the steepest decline reported in Strathcona.
- Commercial break-ins have seen dramatic reductions, including an 86% drop in Chinatown, while residential break-ins rose by 43% in Strathcona.
- The task force has seized 745 weapons, including 79 guns, executed 414 warrant arrests, and submitted 258 reports to Crown counsel.
- Authorities, including Mayor Ken Sim and Inspector Gary Hiar, emphasize the initiative as a long-term strategy to combat organized crime and improve community safety.