Is my grandfather over-exaggerating?

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Jeff H

Like any large city, there are areas that are dangerous and others that are fairly safe. Like several of the previous answers have stated there is a gang war going on at present and they have become quite bold. Yes, several innocent bystanders have been killed, two were working in an apartment where several gang members were. One or more persons entered the apartment and shot everyone there. That was over a year ago. Recently a person driving a vehicle belonging to a gang member was killed and the wife of a gang member was killed while driving his car. What has caused concern lately is that most of the recent shootings have occurred during the day often in shopping mall areas.

However it is important to know that most, if not all, of the shootings have occurred outside of the downtown Vancouver area (Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford). The downtown area is reasonably safe as long as you do not mind being asked for money by homeless people and others.

knh959

Yeah there's a gang war going on in metro Vancouver. In the last month there have been about 15 shootings all believed to be gang related. Sadly there have been a few innocent civilians caught up in the shooting and over the past year I believe the news said 4 bystanders had been inadvertently killed by random gunfire. For the most part though the gangsters are knocking each other off and the general public isn't in any particular danger nor has there been an increase in general crime, in fact it's down slightly for the area.

My solution for the cops would be if they can't get enough evidence to convict these gang bangers of knocking each other off, they should gather them all up and teach them how to shoot properly. Teach them to aim and squeeze rather than just blast away like they do now. That way at least the innocents would be less likely to get hit by a stray than they are now. (only typed half tongue in cheek)

isotope2007

there has been escelating violence in Vancouver, why not just check out the Vancouver news sites and find out for yourself? CBC, CTV etc

freeside49

grandparents worry alot but yes we have had a gang war going on here past few months and many have been shot but only a couple "innocents" . Shootings mostly targeted hits on other gangstas is what occurs. Safety is as good as Calgary which also has had these gang hits and shootings occur. Basically if you run with that crowd you have worries but straight up people about their business usually not affected.
Dont forget its a city of 2 million... even if you hear one shooting per day your odds are pretty low!!

snowpatrol321

He is not over exaggerating. Crime is pretty bad there.

Not the Fallen

Crime has been escalating in the Vancouver area so it's a good idea to read thew news to keep informed. In fact there was a shooting yesterday but it wasn't in Vancouver proper. One thing is that the media is going on about people feeling unsafe. I don't feel unsafe because I have a good head on my shoulders and don't hang out with unscrupulous types.

I just think your Grandad is looking out for you but it's pretty biased when you get all your info from just the news.

Morgen G

i think your grandfather obviously loves you so is trying to protect you so i think that you should take his comments & advice on board as not to hurt his feelings. but if you are that passionate about going then i really think you should do a lot of research just in case to be on the safe side because you never know these days. but you should never give up on dreams regardless coz you will only end kicking yourself otherwise. but you should definatly look into research for yours & your grandfathers peace of mind. i hope this helps.

Wanderer

He's a little paranoid . If you stay away from that Hastings street area you will not have any problems . Especially north van.is OK.

Lizzy

I have lived in Vancouver my whole life ( Im 46) and have never felt unsafe here. It's really just a matter of your lifestyle. If you do not associate with gangsters, or hang out where they do, you will eb just fine. Obviously, you shouldnt walk in bad areas alone at night. Its just a matter of common sense.
I have 3 young adult kids, who are downtown often, and they have never run into a problem. Tell your grandfather to relax, assure him that you will use good judgement, and enjoy Vancouver!

SteveN

You have to take what your grandfather is saying as being the words of someone who is either exagerating, or is saying it because he does not want you to move so far away that he will see you less often.

Vancouver urban area has a population that is twice the size of Calgary. Because of that, I would expect more crimes to occur, but the crime rate per 100,000 people is what you should focus on if concerned with safety. And also a lot depends on what part of town you will be in. Violent crime in Calgary NE and drug offences in Calgary SW has also been on the rise, if you want to compare your own home town. According to a report by the Calgary Herald last October, Calgary actually had a higher murder rate than that of Vancouver!

What you should do is look at the areas you are likely to hang out in. The Vancouver Police Department issues a report of each neighbourhood and district at the end of the year, and it shows you the areas that in past years were more at risk for shootings, robberies, car theft, etc.

By looking them over, you can "know before you go" to see what areas you may want to be more wary of. At least it will give you an idea as to why that nice little apartment you may find is being rented for so much less than other parts of town!

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