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Vancouver Police Report Major Crime Reductions Following Task Force Barrage Launch

Three months into its operation, Task Force Barrage has achieved significant declines in violent crime and property offenses across four neighbourhoods, with ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime networks.

The steam clock is seen in historic Gastown in downtown Vancouver on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
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Vancouver police say Task Force Barrage has reduced crime in many neighbourhoods in the city.
Two Vancouver police officers on foot patrol in the Downtown Eastside on Thursday.

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.