Archives from January 1, 2023 – July 5, 2025.
To view current news visit: BC RCMP news.
Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.
Burnaby
2025-01-31 10:00 PST
During December 2024 and January 2025, Burnaby RCMP’s Community Response Team (CRT) conducted high-visibility, enhanced patrols at Metropolis at Metrotown to address repeat violent offences.
The Burnaby RCMP had noticed an increase in calls for service from retailers, businesses and community partners within a six-week period leading up to the start of this project, which included reports of theft, violence and damage to property at Metrotown. Specifically, there was a noted increase in assault with weapon files.
In response to this increase in calls, Burnaby CRT officers applied for and secured provincial funding support from the Special Investigation and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) Program, which was created to address repeat violent offences.
As a way to address violent crimes and to reduce public safety concerns we heard from our community, Burnaby RCMP CRT officers focused their patrols on enforcement of the Criminal Code and Provincial Acts in the Metrotown area. It was also a valuable opportunity to engage directly with members of the community and to better understand their concerns regarding crime and safety, which allows us to better serve our community says Sgt. Neil Jones, with Burnaby RCMP’s Community Response Team.
As a way to address violent crimes and to reduce public safety concerns we heard from our community, Burnaby RCMP CRT officers focused their patrols on enforcement of the Criminal Code and Provincial Acts in the Metrotown area. It was also a valuable opportunity to engage directly with members of the community and to better understand their concerns regarding crime and safety, which allows us to better serve our community
Officers conducting these foot patrols through Metrotown liaised with businesses in the area to help address their needs.
On January 5, 2025, while Burnaby CRT officers were conducting these high-visibility patrols, they responded to a robbery in-progress at a store in Metrotown. The suspect was allegedly threatening staff with a tool and left the store with unpaid merchandise. The suspect was arrested by officers on scene for robbery and for breaching his court-ordered conditions, which included not attending that location or possessing any weapons. The file is now before the court.
These types of violent crimes are the reason we have been increasing our patrols at Metrotown, public safety has been and remains our priority, says Sgt. Jones.
These types of violent crimes are the reason we have been increasing our patrols at Metrotown, public safety has been and remains our priority,
This initiative was made possible with financial support from SITE funding, which is provided to address repeat violent offences.
This is the third time Burnaby CRT has applied for SITE funding, which was previously used for two Boost and Bust initiatives, resulting in 94 arrests and the recovery of $27,000 worth of stolen merchandise.
Released by:
Email: burnaby_rcmp_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca Website: burnaby.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)
Follow Us: