A recent survey is showing a significant decline in public safety across the province, with many respondents calling for a change in the government’s approach.
The provincewide online survey released by Save our Streets (SOS) on Tuesday revealed the perspectives British Columbians hold on crime, retail, addiction, responsibility and the approach taken to address issues in these areas.
Fifty-five per cent of respondents stated the level of criminal activity in their community has increased over the last four years.
Most strikingly, 88 per cent said they believe crimes go unreported in the province, and 68 per cent said this is due to a lack of confidence in the justice system.
The decline in trust in the system is particularly alarming, and should be addressed before it’s too late, SOS chair Clint Mahlman told BIV.
“Arguably one of the most alarming stats is those that speak to the loss of trust and faith in the justice system to represent them well,” he said. “Any modern democratic society puts its faith in its justice system as a cornerstone of a functioning society.”
“It's very clear that those stones are crumbling, and I think it should serve as an intense motivation for politicians and those in the justice system to take action now before it's too late.”
Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of participants said crime and violence is impacting the quality of life in their community, with half reporting they fear for their own safety and 57 per cent fear for the safety of their families.
From a business standpoint, two-thirds of participants (67 per cent) reported witnessing an increase in shoplifting in the province over the past three years.
This includes 60 per cent who have seen an increase in random vandalism like broken windows, 45 per cent stating an increase in violence against employees, and 44 per cent reporting workers leaving due to safety concerns.
These issues are having significant repercussions on businesses across the province, forcing many to struggle or shut their doors due to an increase in the cost of doing business, said Mahlman.
“We're actually seeing this happen right now,” he said. “Stores like the 7/11 on Pandora Avenue in Victoria closed down because of what we hear is the crime issue.”
Eighty per cent of respondents said retail crime has made products more expensive, with a notable 87 per cent calling for all levels of government to increase prevention methods.
“We hear throughout the downtowns in the province that there's businesses locking up because they cannot afford to conduct business anymore; they're also afraid of their employees and their own safety.”
Mahlman said a lack of attention has allowed these issues to worsen.
The prevalence of repeat offenders, who repeatedly cause harm to local businesses and repeatedly consume police and court resources, contributes to a lack of faith in B.C.'s justice system, he added.
“This happens throughout the province; local businesses are incredibly frustrated,” he said. “We're talking 30, 50, repeat thefts from our store. Multiply that by how many times they see it in other locations, and not being incarcerated.”
When asked what level of government is most responsible for dealing with crime and public safety, 40 per cent said the provincial government and 27 per cent said municipal governments—a clear message to candidates leading up to the election.
“When you have people afraid to go into their own city and they're avoiding areas, that's where things obviously have to change,” Mahlman told BIV.
The online survey was conducted between Sept. 9 and 12 by Research Co. from a representative sample of 1,200 British Columbians. The survey's margin of error is plus or minus 2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
