Vancouver Violent Crime 2025 Drops to Lowest Level in 23 Years

Photo Mike Howell

The City of Vancouver has announced that violent crime in 2025 has dropped to its lowest point in more than two decades.

Officials say the results highlight the impact of targeted policing in the Downtown Eastside and new strategies aimed at reducing organized crime. Keep reading to find out crime statistics for 2025 in Vancouver.

Tip: Or for a neighborhood-by-neighborhood look at which areas are considered the most dangerous, you can look at the Vancouver Crime Rate guide.

Vancouver Crime Statistics Show Major Declines

According to a City release, violent crime levels are now at their lowest since the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) began tracking detailed statistics in 2002.

The figures do not include incidents under the jurisdiction of the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, which has operated since 2005.

Between February 13 and August 12, 2025, compared with the same period in 2024, the VPD reported:

• 18% decrease in violent crimes

• 44% fewer robberies

• 23% drop in serious assaults

• 1,456 weapons seized, including 171 firearms

• 879 arrests of individuals with outstanding warrants

  
  

Quarterly numbers also point to a downward trend. In the first quarter of 2024, police logged 1,342 violent crime cases, compared with 1,192 cases in the same period of 2025.

Task Force Barrage and District 5

Mayor Ken Sim credited Task Force Barrage, a focused enforcement initiative in the Downtown Eastside, for contributing to these reductions.

Building on that work, the VPD is moving ahead with the creation of a new policing zone, District 5, which will provide permanent resources and oversight in the neighbourhood.

“District 5 will build on the success of Task Force Barrage,” Sim said, adding that the move comes as the city counts down 275 days until the FIFA World Cup.

Fire and Overdose Calls Also Down

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services reported parallel declines in emergency calls during the same reporting window:

• 28% reduction in all incidents in the Firehall 2 service area (covering the Downtown Eastside)

• 30% decline in structure fires in that district

• 28% fewer medical responses in Firehall service areas 1, 2, and 8

• 36% decrease in overdoses in those areas

Sim said the numbers demonstrate the results of fully funding frontline services and focusing resources where they are most needed.

New Oversight Program: VanStat

Looking forward, Vancouver City Council will review a motion to launch VanStat, a localized version of the CompStat system used in other North American cities.

According to Sim, VanStat will allow for monthly performance reviews across departments including police, fire, sanitation, housing, arts and culture, and business services.

“This program will deliver better transparency for the public and more accountability for City departments,” Sim said.

Quick Facts on Vancouver Violent Crime 2025

What is District 5 in Vancouver?

District 5 is a new policing district announced by the Vancouver Police Department in 2025. It will provide permanent resources and oversight for the Downtown Eastside, building on the work of Task Force Barrage.

How much did violent crime fall in Vancouver in 2025?

Between February 13 and August 12, 2025, violent crime in Vancouver dropped by 18% compared with the same period in 2024. Robberies fell 44%, and serious assaults decreased 23%.

What is Task Force Barrage?

Task Force Barrage was a targeted policing initiative in the Downtown Eastside that focused on violent crime and organized crime. The City of Vancouver credited it as a key factor in achieving the 23-year low in violent crime.

What is VanStat in Vancouver?

VanStat is a data-driven program, modeled on CompStat, that Vancouver plans to launch in 2025. It will involve monthly performance reviews using data from police, fire, sanitation, housing, and other city departments.

When did Vancouver last see crime this low?

The City of Vancouver says violent crime in 2025 is at its lowest level since 2002, when the Vancouver Police Department began keeping systematic crime statistics.

For a broader view of neighborhoods with high risk factors, visit our Vancouver Crime Rate: Areas to Avoid page.