Assaults drop in first month of Downtown Eastside crime crackdown, police say – BC [Video]

Vancouver police are touting data they say shows a recent $5 million crack down on crime in the Downtown Eastside is getting results.

The Vancouver Police Department announced Task Force Barrage in mid-February, a three-pronged plan to target organized and violent crime in the neighbourhood.

The initiative involves a surge of uniformed police officers, new co-ordinated and long-term investigations targeting gangs and increased community partnerships.

“These additional officers have given us strength in numbers and allowed us to do more,” said Insp. Gary Hiar, commanding officer of VPD’s District 2, which includes the Downtown Eastside.

“Last week there were no robberies reported in the Downtown Eastside. The progress is clear when you walk or drive down East Hastings Street. The sidewalks look cleaner and the streets started to look safer, but there is still work to be done and that work will take some time.”

On Thursday, police said they had responded to 4,760 calls in the Downtown …