The Vancouver police Thursday said that the long-term crime statistics are showing positive results of proactive policing in Vancouver.

"Today we are sharing crime trend statistics and inviting media to report on them so the public knows exactly what is happening when it comes to crime in Vancouver," said Senior Deputy Chief Constable Howard Chow. "When it comes to the perception of public safety, the facts matter."

The police statement said that the violent crime, property crime, and overall crime rates all declined overall between 2002-2025.

Statistics Canada's preferred method of report crime trends is the Crime Severity Index (CSI). The CSI is important because it takes into account the severity of crimes, and doesn't equate, for example, a shoplifting incident with a violent robbery.

Vancouver in 2025 had a record-low Overall Crime Severity Index (CSI) - the lowest on record since Statistics Canada started keeping track in 1998. In the last 10 years Vancouver's Overall CSI dropped by 22.3%, compared to an increase of 4.2% across the nation.

Vancouver in 2025 had record-low Non-Violent CSI scores – the lowest on record since Statistics Canada started keeping track in 1998.

The statement released by the police said that the only reason Vancouver in 2025 didn't also have a record-low Violent CSI score is the Lapu-Lapu mass casualty incident (11 second-degree murder charges).

While it is true that crime has increased so far in 2026 compared to last year, the reality is that the most serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, sexual offences, commercial break-and-enter, residential break-and-enter, and auto theft are decreasing. The most severe types of crime are down and the VPD is projecting all three CSI categories will drop through 2026 to the lowest ever recorded levels.

"We are making progress. It's not an accident. It's not a coincidence. It's because the VPD is policing effectively and investing in the right technologies and policing strategies like Project Barrage and the creation of District 5 to address public safety concerns,” Chow concluded.

"Of course we know there is always more work to be done. The VPD remains committed to ensuring the public safety of Vancouver's residents, businesses, and visitors."