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2d ago

Vancouver Reports 23-Year Low in Downtown Eastside Violent Crime as VPD Plans New District

The task force’s temporary funding will taper off as the new district begins with reallocated resources.

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Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim (with binder) arrives at a new conference flanked by Police Chief Steve Rai (left) and Fire chief Karen Fry.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, along with Fire Chief Karen Fry and Chief Constable Steve Rai (r), speaks at a press conference in Vancouver on Sept 8, 2025.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Fire Chief Karen Fry

Overview

  • The city reported year-over-year declines between Feb. 13 and Aug. 12: violent crime down 18%, robberies down 44%, and serious assaults down 23% in the Downtown Eastside.
  • Officials said those results put violent crime at its lowest level since VPD tracking began in 2002, a measure that does not include incidents handled by the Transit Police.
  • Vancouver Fire Rescue Services also logged drops in the area, including a 28% reduction in all incidents at Firehall 2 and a 36% fall in overdose call-outs in several service areas.
  • Police will establish a dedicated Downtown Eastside district using reallocated resources at first, with further funding expected later, and the task force’s budget will start winding down by mid-October.
  • Mayor Ken Sim will bring a motion next month to pilot a CompStat-style VanStat program in four neighbourhoods, while Coun. Sean Orr questioned the police numbers and urged stronger housing actions.