Vancouver violent crime drops

Violent crime was down in Vancouver in 2009 but sex offences went against the trend.

Murders, attempted murders, assaults, robberies and property crime all fell, according to figures released Wednesday by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).

The number of sex offences rose by almost 20 per cent.

"The increase we are seeing is in the northern part of Vancouver with increased people coming downtown to the entertainment district," said Chief Jim Chu . "We are seeing a lot of victimization of people that perhaps have had too much to drink."

Incidents of fraud increased by nearly 12 per cent, mostly caused by internet-related crime and compromised debit cards, Chu said.

Prostitution offences declined last year by more than 30 per cent while police focused more on the child-sex trade.

The ability to charge young prostitutes gave police additional tools to get them off the street, such as bringing in social workers and imposing curfews, no-contact orders and other conditions, said Chu.

The statistics prompted kudos from Vancouver's mayor.

"The year-end results show the men and women of the VPD are doing great work at keeping our city safe," said Gregor Robertson, who is also Chair of the Police Board.