Violent Crime on the Lower Mainland

Whenever you examine crime statistics, you have to keep in mind that it takes time to put statistics together. What is published usually lags somewhat behind real time. We have access to the statistics for the violent crime rate in Vancouver for 2020, but not yet for 2021.

Also, no matter what the statistics are, if you are victim of a violent crime, then it is 100 percent for you. With that said, here is what we know about violent crime on the Lower Mainland.

Vancouver

According the Vancouver Police Department, it appears that violent crime fell slightly in Vancouver between 2019 and 2020. This is true in many places, and is likely due to COVID-19, and more people staying home. The general violent crime rate fell about 1.7%.

If we look at the specifics, murder went up, attempted murder went down, and sexual offences went down about 7.7%. Overall, property crime went way down by 23.7%, however, business property crime went up. This is perhaps explained by more people working at home and business premises often were left empty.

Surrey

The violent crime rate in Surrey has been mirroring the violent crime rate in Vancouver. Overall violent crime is down between 2019 and 2020. All of the violent crimes are down, if slightly, except that robbery was up by about 24%.

It is fair to suggest that surrounding areas in the Lower Mainland will be undergoing the same sorts of trends. As long as people are not gathering in groups and mostly staying and working at home, crime is down.

We expect to see some changes in crime rate once more people are vaccinated, more people are going out and congregating, and as we return to the habits of our former lives.

Sources:

https://vpd.ca/police/Planning/StatsCrimeRate/19-20CR.pdf

https://www.numbeo.com/crime/compare_cities.jsp?country1=Canada&city1=Vancouver&country2=Canada&city2=Surrey

Michael Bloom is a very experienced criminal defence lawyer, who started his career as a Crown Prosecutor.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to schedule a free consultation with Mr. Bloom, please call his office at (604) 603-5513 or Toll-Free at (877) 603-5513.