For the second time in less than a month, police say they've recovered guns from a homeless camp in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

“We continue to see an increase in weapons and violence within the encampment,” Const. Tania Visintin said in a VPD news release.

“Not only does this pose safety risks for the community, but now we are also hearing concerns from businesses owners on the Downtown Eastside who have lost staff because they fear coming to work.”

According to police, a sawed-off shotgun, two replica pistols, ammunition, two cans of bear spray, and various axes, swords, knives, batons and bats were taken after being stored inside a tent near Main and East Hastings streets.

Five people have been arrested.

On August 16, the VPD said that four people had been arrested after guns were seized from a tent near East Hastings and Carrall Street.