Crime and street disorder in Vancouver dropped from November 5 to December 2 compared to the 27-day period from October 8 to November 4.

The decline was reflected in a report submitted by police Chief Jamie Graham in time for the Vancouver police board meeting on December 13 as the Straight went to press. The board is chaired by Mayor Sam Sullivan, who declared on November 27 that “we’re facing some serious problems with disorder on our streets”.

The report noted that violent crimes fell 26 percent while crimes against property went down six percent. Street disorder declined by seven percent, with panhandling registering the biggest drop at 36 percent, followed by breach of peace at 25 percent. On November 27, Sullivan launched his “Project Civil City”, which outlined the “roadmap toward the restoration of public order and civility in our community”, according to a letter sent to Vancouver residents.

City council will debate recommendations in the Project Civil City report this Thursday (December 14). But it appears that city hall has already started to implement one of the project’s 10 proposed measures. On December 12, Sullivan’s office announced that the city will test on-the-spot serving of tickets for bylaw violations such as jaywalking, smoking, spitting, and riding a bicycle on a sidewalk.