Vancouver has witnessed an increase in violent crimes such as the recent stabbing incident at a Starbucks, causing concern among residents about safety in parts of Vancouver.

Similarly, Surrey, BC, has had frequent drive-by shootings, leading to my curiosity about whether East Van and Surrey BC are more dangerous than Los Angeles.

Vancouver is a city with a sharp economic divide, with some residents enjoying a luxurious lifestyle in Kitsilano and North Vancouver, while those in East Vancouver and Surrey have to deal with gang activity and random acts of violence. But what do crime statistics say about the safety levels of these neighbourhoods compared to Los Angeles?

Analyzing Crime Statistics

Analyzing crime statistics and other factors can provide valuable insights into the community’s safety levels. For this analysis, we will examine the safety levels of Surrey and East Vancouver and compare them to Los Angeles.

According to crime statistics data compiled by Statistics Canada, Surrey and East Vancouver had higher crime rates in 2020 than Los Angeles.

The crime severity index (CSI), which considers the number and seriousness of reported crimes and the likelihood of solving them, is used to measure the overall crime rate. Surrey BC had a CSI score of 139.7, while Los Angeles had a CSI of 96.2. Similarly, East Vancouver had the highest CSI score of 160.7 among the three cities, indicating the highest crime rate.

Jova Xu, a North Van Realtor said that the crime severity index for North Vancouver was 53.7, which represents a decrease of 11.6% from the previous year. This suggests that the measures taken to improve safety and security in the city have been successful.

It is important to note that different types of crimes have varying impacts on the safety of a city. To provide an example, violent crimes such as homicide, assault, and sexual assault can have a greater impact on safety than property crimes such as theft and fraud.

Property Crimes

Surrey also has a higher property crime rate than Los Angeles, with a rate of 5,737.5 per 100,000 people compared to Los Angeles’ rate of 3,291.1. East Vancouver had the highest property crime rate among the three cities by far, at 7,670.9. This has led the city of Vancouver to take drastic action.

The city of Compton in Los Angeles has a reputation for having a high crime rate, and it’s not without merit. Compton was made famous as a crime city by the movie “Boyz n the Hood.”

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program, the crime rate in Compton is significantly higher than the national average.

In fact, in 2019, the CSI for Compton was 1,046.8, which is more than four times higher than the United States national average of 239.3. This means that the chances of being a victim of a crime in Compton are around four times higher than in many other cities in the United States.

The Impact of Crime on Compton’s Residents

The high crime rate in Compton affects not only the city’s reputation but also the well-being and safety of its residents. People who live in Compton face a greater risk of being the victim of a crime than those who live in other parts of Los Angeles. The fear of crime can lead to social isolation, anxiety, and other mental health problems.

The safety and security of a city is a complex issue influenced by a range of factors. Poverty rates, unemployment, drug addiction, and population density are just a few of the factors that can contribute to the crime rate of a city. While it’s true that Compton has a higher poverty rate than Los Angeles, this does not fully explain why Compton has a higher crime rate than Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, despite having a larger population and higher poverty rates than Compton, has managed to keep its crime rate lower. This suggests that factors other than poverty rates and population density are at play in keeping Los Angeles safer. It’s possible that factors such as community engagement, effective policing strategies, and investment in social programs have contributed to making Los Angeles a safer city.

The Importance of Addressing Crime Rates

To sum up the different crime rates…

Surrey BC: 139.7

East Vancouver: 160.7

Los Angeles: 96.2

Compton LA: 1,046.8

North Van: 53.7

It’s important for cities to take steps to address crime rates and improve safety and security for their residents. This can involve a range of measures, from investing in social programs to implementing effective policing strategies. By working together, communities can create a safer and more secure environment for everyone.

Crime statistics can provide insights into the safety levels of different cities. However, it is essential to understand that statistics do not reveal the whole story. Other factors, such as poverty and population density, can affect a city’s crime rate. In addition, the effectiveness of law enforcement can play a crucial role in reducing crime rates.

It is imperative that city officials and law enforcement agencies continue to work together to address the root causes of crime and take effective measures to make communities safer. By analyzing crime statistics and considering other factors that contribute to safety and security, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our cities and work towards creating a safer and more secure future for all.

Vancouver isn’t dangerous as a whole, but East Vancouver and Surrey BC are. Los Angeles is overall quite safe, but Compton is very dangerous.