Increase of break-and-enters on Commercial Drive: business association

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Security is being stepped up along Commercial Drive after reports of more break-ins around Vancouver.

With many businesses closed, even boarded up during the pandemic, a private security team is now patrolling the area to protect them, said Nick Pogor, with the Commercial Drive Business Society.

“As people get desperate, the trickle-down effect, unfortunately, seems to be petty crime — thefts, break-ins, and vandalism,” he added.

Increase of break-and-enters on Commercial Drive.

Private security has been hired and @VancouverPD confirms it has increased patrols.

"We've asked for more resources and more police cars to be in the area, whenever possible." – Nick Pogor with @CommercialD Business Society pic.twitter.com/FtwK72cEn0

— Tim James (@TimJamesPlus) April 22, 2020

Pogor has been speaking with the Vancouver Police Department weekly and would like to see more officers patrolling the area, including those walking up and down Commercial Drive.

“We’ve asked for more resources and more police cars to be in the area, whenever possible,” he said.

Police said they have increased patrols, but won’t give more details than that.

Vancouver Police recently arrested and charged 40 suspects in relation to commercial break-and-enter incidents in the city.

“Police will continue with an increased presence of patrol members in specific areas and through specialized investigative projects,” says a release.

“Although overall property crime is down in the city, there was an increase in commercial break and enter incidents once physical distancing measures were put into place,” adds Cont. Tania Visintin. “We are targeting offenders committing these crimes through patrol and investigative initiatives and have made good progress.”