In a move to address street disorder, vandalism, theft, and the situation with repeat offenders in the province and Metro Vancouver, the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety announced repeat-offending hubs.
Essentially, the move, which the ministry says strengthens its response to street disorder, will see repeat offenders monitored in B.C.
“As many as 865 people involved in repeat violent, property, public-disorder offences will be monitored, including 365 in the Lower Mainland,” the ministry said.
Around B.C., there will be seven new hubs dedicated to supervision of people who are involved in repeat offending “to help reduce street disorder and crimes targeting local businesses throughout B.C.”
“The Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative (C-POII) is an important program that responds directly to what businesses and communities have been asking for as they deal with the impacts of street disorder and retail theft,” said Terry Yung, minister of state for community safety and integrated services, in a statement.
“I’ve been touring communities throughout the province to hear directly from business owners and residents, and they’ve been clear they want stronger action. Expanding C-POII throughout the Lower Mainland and provincewide will help reduce repeat property crime and improve community safety,” Yung said.
There are 11 hubs in total monitoring 365 people:
- 25 people in Abbotsford through one hub
- 25 people in Chilliwack through one hub
- 25 people in Langley through one hub
- 25 people in New West through one hub
- 25 people in Maple Ridge through one hub
- 80 people in Surrey through two hubs
- 160 in Vancouver through four hubs
“Police in many communities report that a small number of individuals are responsible for a disproportionate amount of property crime. The Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative focuses on people involved in repeat offences, such as theft, shoplifting, vandalism and street disorder. Many of them have complex needs related to housing instability, mental health and substance use,” the ministry said.
The ministry adds that Budget 2026 included a $16-million investment, over two years, to establish 13 new repeat-offender hubs.
“Businesses and communities across British Columbia deserve to feel safe and supported,” said Nina Krieger, minister of public safety and solicitor general, in a release.
“That is why we are targeting chronic property offending and dedicating more resources to proven, evidence-based initiatives that strengthen enforcement and support local businesses. We will continue working closely with police, local governments and community partners to build on this progress and keep our communities safe and vibrant.”
We spoke to B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma last year, who said addressing the repeat offender problem was a work in progress.
We also recently spoke to the owner of Salon Origins, who had her own thoughts about the situation with crime in downtown Vancouver, and how it has worsened since COVID-19.