Vancouver Police Department (VPD) say that their CCTV cameras, installed at Main and Hastings, aimed at cracking down on crime, are doing their jobs.
“These camera systems are important because vulnerable individuals who may be scared of reprisals and reluctant to talk to police are frequently targeted by violent criminals in the Downtown Eastside (DTES),” said Sgt. Adam Donaldson.
Police say that in 2025, 27 per cent of all violent crime across Vancouver was in the DTES.
“From 2024 to 2026, an average of 63 per cent of victims of serious violent assaults in the area refused to cooperate with police investigating the crimes committed against them,” said Donaldson.
In the first year after the installation of the cameras, police found footage for 55 investigations, VPD say.
“These cameras have been very helpful and a great investigative tool, especially in that area of Main and Hastings, we’ve been able to help solve crimes,” said Cst. Megan Lui, media relations officer for the VPD.
Lui speaks of specific incidents such as an assault on a storekeeper in Chinatown and vehicles being involved in hit and runs in the area.
“Violent crimes were approximately 10 per cent lower for where the CCTV cameras were installed,” shared Lui.
Assaults remain high on the list of crimes that the VPD have been able to investigate due to the cameras.
“We’ve been able to crack down on assaults with the weapons, just assault, hit and run, stranger assaults ever since the cameras have been installed.”
The goal is public safety, says Lui, with no plans for other cameras being installed for now.
“We’re just concerned about public safety and if these cameras are working and it has decreased crime in that area, we could be looking at other areas,” said Lui.