Vancouver Police credit increased presence for crime reduction in Downtown Eastside

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Vancouver Police are reporting significant crime reductions over the past two weeks in the city’s worst neighbourhood.

This, after VPD heavily boosted numbers in the Downtown Eastside.

Deputy Chief Howard Chow says violence is down and more than $20,000 worth of stolen goods has been recovered from street vendors –mainly in the area known as the ‘merch block’ of East Hastings.

“This is where predatory fences thrive and where vulnerable people are exploited. For example, buyers coming from other areas and offer local residents cash to steal specific items. Our presence deters this type of behaviour and advances our investigations into predatory fences.”

Chow adds fewer street fights are being recorded.

“The average number of serious street assaults was eight every two weeks. This has been reduced to two in the past two weeks. In the six months prior to the project, there were 81 robberies that occurred in the street. Since the beginning of this project, there’s only been one street robbery.”

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