Located in the beautiful province of British Columbia, Surrey has recently gained notoriety . According to Numbeo, worldwide statistics database, Surrey’s crime index score of 63.75 and safety index score of 36.4 places Surrey on top of the list as Canada’s most dangerous city.
The Crime has come down in the first quarter of 2023 as compared to the first quarter of 2022, according to a report by GlobalNews.
This article explores the factors contributing to Surrey’s high crime rate and examines the steps the city is taking to combat this growing problem.
Crime Rates in Surrey, BC
Crime rates in Surrey, BC are used to measure how many crimes happen per 100,000 people in the area. They can be used to compare different regions or cities and to track changes over time. The following table shows the total crime rate, violent crime rate and property crime rate for Surrey, BC compared to British Columbia and Canada as a whole1.
| Area | Total Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surrey | 5,318 | 986 | 4,332 |
| British Columbia | 6,040 | 1,120 | 4,920 |
| Canada | 4,223 | 1,042 | 3,181 |
Looking at these numbers, we can see that Surrey has a higher total crime rate and property crime rate compared to the average for British Columbia and Canada. However, Surrey has a lower violent crime rate compared to both British Columbia and Canada. This means that most of the crimes in Surrey are non-violent offences like theft, fraud, and mischief.
Types of Crimes in Surrey, BC
The types of crimes that occur in a city can reveal a lot about the social and economic conditions of its residents. The following table shows the number of incidents and incidents per 100,000 people for some of the most common types of crimes in Surrey, BC for the first quarter of 2022.
| Type of Crime | Number of Incidents | Incidents per 100k |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 2 | 0.3 |
| Attempted Murder | 1 | 0.2 |
| Robbery | 63 | 10.5 |
| Assault | 1,057 | 176.6 |
| Sexual Offences | 99 | 16.6 |
| Breaking (All) | 392 | 65.6 |
| Theft of Motor Vehicle (All) | 1,261 | 210.8 |
| Theft from Motor Vehicle (All) | 1,301 | 217.5 |
| Fraud (All) | 642 | 107.3 |
| Mischief (All) | 908 | 151.8 |
As we can see, assault is the most common type of violent crime in Surrey, followed by sexual offences and robbery. Theft of motor vehicles and theft from motor vehicles are the most common types of property crime in Surrey, followed by fraud and mischief. These crimes make Surrey the most dangerous city in Canada.
Gang Violence in Surrey, BC: A Major Contributor
One of the most significant factors behind Surrey’s high crime rate is the prevalence of gang-related violence. A study conducted by the University of British Columbia (UBC) found that gang activity has been on the rise in recent years, leading to an increase in violent crimes such as shootings and homicides. In 2020, Surrey recorded 45 homicides, marking a considerable increase compared to previous years (CBC News).
Property Crime and Drug Trafficking
In addition to gang violence, Surrey, known as one of the most dangerous cities, faces challenges with property crime and drug trafficking. According to the CCJCSS, the city has experienced a surge in break-ins, thefts, and other property-related offences. The same report highlights that drug trafficking, particularly the trade of fentanyl and other opioids, has become a significant issue in the city, further exacerbating the crime problem.
Combating Crime: The City’s Response
In response to the growing crime rate, Surrey has taken several measures to enhance public safety. The city has increased the number of police officers on the streets. In 2021, it announced the creation of the Surrey Police Service, which replaced the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) as the primary law enforcement agency in the city (City of Surrey).
Surrey has also implemented programs aimed at addressing the root causes of criminal activity, with a particular focus on supporting at-risk youth. Programs like Surrey’s Wraparound (Wrap) project provide intervention services and support to young people at risk of becoming involved in gangs or criminal activity. This initiative has been praised for its positive impact on reducing youth crime rates (Surrey Now-Leader).
Most Dangerous City Neighborhoods in Surrey, BC
As one of the most dangerous cities in Canada, Surrey is also home to several high-risk neighbourhoods. Here are some of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Surrey for 2023. The rankings are determined by the number of violent crimes per 100,000 people in each neighbourhood, in comparison to the Surrey violent crime average. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and assault. These statistics are derived from local law enforcement agencies, and when unavailable, estimates based on demographic data are used.
| Neighborhood | Population | Violent Crimes (per 100k) | % More Crime than Surrey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newton Town Centre | 2,637 | 1,538 | 56% |
| Guildford Town Centre | 16,262 | 1,441 | 46% |
| Surrey Metro Centre | 27,544 | 1,389 | 41% |
| Cloverdale Town Centre | 3,994 | 1,370 | 39% |
| Semiahmoo Town Centre | 4,724 | 1,328 | 35% |
| East Panorama Ridge | 141 | 1,257 | 27% |
| King George Corridor | 12,969 | 1,145 | 16% |
| Fleetwood Town Centre | 20,262 | 1,131 | 15% |
| East Clayton | 15,169 | 1,097 | 11% |
| Highway 99 Corridor | 772 | 1,085 | 10% |
It’s essential to recognize the efforts being made to combat crime and improve public safety. Through increased police presence, the establishment of the Surrey Police Service, and the implementation of programs like the Wrap Project, the city is taking significant steps toward creating a safer environment for its residents. Only time will tell if these measures have a lasting impact on Surrey’s crime rate; however, the city remains committed to addressing this pressing issue.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Surrey a dangerous city?
Numbeo’s data suggests that residents grapple with concerns about being insulted and experiencing theft from their vehicles.
Additionally, the city faces significant issues with drug-related problems and elevated levels of violent crime. Unfortunately, Surrey’s safety score for nighttime strolls is quite low.
What is the Most Dangerous City In Canada?
Surrey, located in British Columbia, is considered Canada’s one of the most dangerous city due to its high rate of car break-ins and drug use. However, it has a relatively lower rate of violent crimes such as assault.
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