Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025
File: 25-18494
Victoria, B.C. – VicPD is pleased to announce increased proactive foot and bike patrols in the downtown core this summer, supported by funding secured from the Province of British Columbia’s Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program (C-STEP), and matched funding from the City of Victoria announced today. This initiative, dubbed Project STEP (Safer Through Enhanced Presence), aims to directly address recent and ongoing community concerns regarding retail theft, street disorder, and public safety.
VicPD has been listening to businesses and residents who voiced concerns about increased incidents in the downtown area. This new funding will allow officers to dedicate more time to highly visible, proactive patrols during peak hours, with the goal of creating a safer and more welcoming environment. These increased patrols began last week and focus on addressing street disorder in the downtown core, specifically between Blanshard Street and Wharf Street, and from Chatham Street to the Cruise Ship Terminal. Officers will actively engage with the public, local businesses, and community groups while enforcing relevant laws.
“Our downtown Businesses welcome this funding and the increased presence of VicPD officers,” said Jeff Bray, CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA). “We know these efforts will lead directly to a reduction in crime and street disorder, and this is exactly what our businesses are asking for.”
“Public safety is our top priority, and this funding allows us to build on the momentum we saw with similar initiatives that began last year,” said Chief Del Manak. “We are grateful for this support, which will enhance our ability to proactively address community concerns. While we continue to advocate for increased resources to meet the growing population and demands for police services, these highly visible patrols are about more than just enforcement; they are about building relationships, addressing concerns proactively, and reassuring the public and business community that we are committed to keeping our downtown core safe and vibrant.”
The funding will not only support increased officer hours, but also allow VicPD to purchase additional patrol bikes, expanding the reach and effectiveness of this proactive policing strategy throughout the year. These patrols are in addition to existing foot and bike patrols conducted during regular shifts when call volumes allow.
VicPD encourages anyone who sees an officer on patrol to say hello and share any safety concerns they may have.
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