The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is addressing concerns about crime in the city and setting the record straight.
Deputy Chief Cst. Howard Chow of the VPD stated that there has been much discussion about crime, public safety, and data integrity in recent months. With just nine days until the municipal election in Vancouver, the VPD has released crime statistics spanning 23 years, asserting that Vancouver is currently experiencing its lowest crime rates ever.
According to the VPD report, violent crime, property crime, and overall crime rates have significantly decreased from 2002 to 2025. This marks a significant contrast to four years ago when the Vancouver Police Union endorsed a mayoral candidate for the first time to ensure sufficient police resources.
Vibert Jack, litigation director for the BC Civil Liberties Association, criticized the timing of the announcement, suggesting it could be seen as a political move. Jack expressed concerns that such actions could erode public trust in law enforcement.
While acknowledging a recent increase in crime compared to the previous year, Chow refuted claims that the VPD’s statistics release was intended to sway voters. He emphasized the importance of accurate information in making safety decisions.
Chow clarified that the VPD’s announcement is not politically motivated but credited investments from municipal governments, like the task force barrage, for contributing to the decrease in crime rates.
