Vancouver’s neighborhoods tell a story through their crime data—one that impacts residents, businesses and city officials alike. In September 2024, crime incidents ranged from property thefts in Downtown to assaults in areas like Strathcona and the West End. With theft from autos leading the charge at a staggering 1,228 incidents, it's clear that crime prevention remains a top concern across the city.
But what do these numbers really mean for Vancouverites? Whether you're concerned about break-and-enters in Mount Pleasant or rising mischief incidents in Grandview-Woodland, this deep dive into the latest Vancouver crime statistics 2024 gives you a neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown of key offenses like robbery, arson, and offensive weapons charges.
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Sexual Offences in Vancouver Suburbs (Highest to Lowest)
Suburb | Sexual Offences |
Downtown (i.e. Robson St, Granville St, Coal Harbour & Burrard) | 14 |
West End | 5 |
Strathcona | 4 |
Fairview | 4 |
Grandview - Woodland | 4 |
Renfrew - Collingwood | 3 |
Kensington - Cedar Cottage | 1 |
Kitsilano | 2 |
Marpole | 1 |
Shaughnessy | 2 |
South Cambie | 1 |
Oakridge | 0 |
West Point Grey | 0 |
Arbutus Ridge | 0 |
Stanley Park | 0 |
Musqueam | 0 |
Riley Park | 0 |
Let's get into the breakdown of Vancouver Crime Statistics 2024. Downtown ranks highest with 14 sexual offenses, reflecting the risks associated with high foot traffic and nightlife in the downtown core. Assaults often occur in isolated or poorly lit areas, particularly around clubs and bars. The report refers to Downtown as the Central Business District, but is referring to Downtown areas such as Robson St, Granville St, Coal Harbour & Burrard St.
Safety tip: Personal safety devices and traveling in groups after dark can help reduce the risk of assault.
Carry a pepper spray or self-defense keychain with you. Of course, you're only carrying the pepper spray for the wildlife (remember), because you cannot legally carry anything for the purposes of self-defense against another person. You can read more about our crazy Canadian self-defense laws here.
Suburbs such as West End (5), Strathcona (4), and Fairview (4) also report significant numbers, likely due to a mix of residential and commercial activity, combined with lower visibility in certain areas.
Musqueam, West Point Grey, and Stanley Park report no sexual offenses, likely due to lower population density and reduced public activity after dark.
Auto Theft Vancouver Crime Statistics 2024
Suburb | Auto Theft |
Downtown | 466 |
West End | 112 |
Renfrew - Collingwood | 88 |
Fairview | 77 |
Kitsilano | 75 |
Mount Pleasant | 66 |
Sunset | 58 |
Strathcona | 44 |
Grandview - Woodland | 34 |
Marpole | 21 |
South Cambie | 21 |
Hastings - Sunrise | 20 |
Riley Park | 12 |
Oakridge | 11 |
Killarney | 11 |
Dunbar - Southlands | 10 |
West Point Grey | 5 |
Stanley Park | 8 |
Kerrisdale | 6 |
Arbutus Ridge | 1 |
Downtown leads significantly in auto theft incidents with 466 cases reported in 2023.
Safety tip: Always remove visible valuables and park in well-lit, visible areas, especially if parking downtown.
Following Downtown, the West End saw 112 incidents, while Renfrew-Collingwood (88) and Fairview (77) also report high numbers.
Safety tip: Car alarms and visible deterrents like steering wheel locks can help reduce break-ins in these areas.
In contrast, suburbs like Arbutus Ridge (1) and Kerrisdale (6) reported fewer thefts, but residents should still remain cautious. Even low-crime areas can experience sporadic thefts.
Robbery (Highest to Lowest)
Suburb | Robbery |
Downtown | 25 |
Strathcona | 8 |
Mount Pleasant | 4 |
Renfrew - Collingwood | 3 |
Fairview | 3 |
Grandview - Woodland | 2 |
West End | 1 |
West Point Grey | 0 |
Sunset | 0 |
Kitsilano | 2 |
Marpole | 0 |
Killarney | 0 |
Hastings - Sunrise | 2 |
Stanley Park | 1 |
Oakridge | 0 |
Shaughnessy | 0 |
Arbutus Ridge | 0 |
South Cambie | 0 |
Dunbar - Southlands | 0 |
Riley Park | 0 |
Downtown is again the most affected area, with 25 reported robberies. This dense, high-traffic zone is a prime target for opportunistic thieves. Tourists and late-night pedestrians are frequent targets, particularly in areas with low visibility and fewer people.
In Strathcona (8) and Mount Pleasant (4), robberies are also a concern, especially near commercial areas where foot traffic may dwindle in the evening.
Other areas, like Hastings-Sunrise and Kitsilano, report fewer robberies (2 incidents each), but the risk remains. Neighborhoods like West Point Grey, Marpole, and Sunset reported no robberies during this period, though it’s important not to become complacent.
Safety tip: Staying in well-lit, populated areas and avoiding isolated streets late at night can reduce the risk of robbery. Use a personal safety alarm that lets of a piercing shriek by pulling a pin, alerting people nearby and scaring off an attacker.
Theft Under $5,000 in Vancouver Suburbs (Highest to Lowest)
Suburb | Theft Under $5K |
Downtown | 172 |
West End | 31 |
Strathcona | 26 |
Kensington - Cedar Cottage | 23 |
Mount Pleasant | 17 |
Kitsilano | 15 |
Grandview - Woodland | 14 |
Hastings - Sunrise | 14 |
Renfrew - Collingwood | 13 |
Riley Park | 12 |
Marpole | 11 |
Sunset | 10 |
Fairview | 14 |
Oakridge | 4 |
Shaughnessy | 5 |
South Cambie | 3 |
West Point Grey | 3 |
Arbutus Ridge | 3 |
Stanley Park | 3 |
Musqueam | 0 |
Downtown leads by far with 172 thefts under $5,000, reflecting the high volume of petty crimes such as shoplifting in commercial areas. Theft of personal items and merchandise from stores is common in crowded downtown shopping areas.
Safety tip: Store owners and pedestrians should install security cameras in areas prone to theft.
West End (31) and Strathcona (26) also see high theft numbers, typically involving stolen items like bikes or personal property left in public.. Theft from parked bikes or unattended outdoor items is common in these residential neighborhoods.
Lower incidents of theft are found in suburbs like Oakridge (4), Arbutus Ridge (3), and West Point Grey (3), likely due to lower foot traffic and fewer commercial properties.
Break and Enter (Highest to Lowest)
Suburb | B&E |
Downtown | 32 |
West End | 15 |
Grandview - Woodland | 14 |
Mount Pleasant | 11 |
Renfrew - Collingwood | 10 |
Fairview | 8 |
Kensington - Cedar Cottage | 8 |
Marpole | 7 |
Strathcona | 7 |
Oakridge | 7 |
Kitsilano | 6 |
Sunset | 5 |
Hastings - Sunrise | 5 |
Riley Park | 5 |
Shaughnessy | 4 |
South Cambie | 4 |
Dunbar - Southlands | 4 |
Stanley Park | 1 |
Arbutus Ridge | 1 |
West Point Grey | 0 |
Musqueam | 0 |
Break and Enter in Vancouver Suburbs
Downtown leads with 32 reported break and enters, likely due to the high number of businesses and apartments. Commercial properties and high-rise apartments are frequent targets, particularly in areas with low surveillance.
Safety tip: Businesses and residents should invest in security systems, including motion detectors, cameras, and reinforced doors.
West End (15) and Grandview-Woodland (14) also report significant break-in activity, often in mixed-use residential and commercial zones.
Key scenario: Break-ins typically occur during the day when homes are unoccupied.
Safety tip: Residents should ensure doors and windows are secured and consider neighborhood watch programs.
Suburbs like Mount Pleasant (11) and Renfrew-Collingwood (10) are also vulnerable to break-ins, often involving older homes with outdated security measures.
Low-risk suburbs like West Point Grey and Musqueam reported zero break-ins, likely due to a combination of lower population density and fewer businesses.
Mischief in Vancouver Suburbs
Suburb | Mischief |
Central Business District | 179 |
Strathcona | 33 |
Mount Pleasant | 24 |
Grandview - Woodland | 28 |
Renfrew - Collingwood | 19 |
West End | 19 |
Fairview | 10 |
Marpole | 10 |
Hastings - Sunrise | 15 |
Kensington - Cedar Cottage | 12 |
Kitsilano | 12 |
Dunbar - Southlands | 7 |
Riley Park | 7 |
Arbutus Ridge | 4 |
Sunset | 5 |
Killarney | 3 |
Oakridge | 3 |
West Point Grey | 3 |
Shaughnessy | 2 |
South Cambie | 2 |
Kerrisdale | 2 |
Musqueam | 1 |
Victoria - Fraserview | 1 |
Stanley Park | 0 |
Legally, "mischief" refers to intentional damage or interference with property, including vandalism, destruction, obstructing the lawful use of property or tampering with digital systems/data.
Downtown saw 179 cases of mischief, which includes vandalism and property damage. Graffiti and broken windows are common in this high-visibility area, particularly targeting businesses and public spaces.
Safety tip: Business owners often use surveillance cameras and anti-graffiti coatings to reduce property damage.
Mount Pleasant (65) and Strathcona (33) also report high levels of mischief, often driven by rising tensions in gentrifying areas, namely vandalism on homes or vehicles.
Safety tip: Installing motion-sensor lights and participating in neighborhood watch programs can deter vandals.
In contrast, areas like Stanley Park reported zero mischief cases, and South Cambie (2) and Kerrisdale (2) had low numbers, although occasional incidents still occur.