The City of Victoria has announced that it will be exploring possible partnerships with the Downtown Victoria Business Association amid a recent series of break-ins and vandalism.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the City said it was hoping to find a way to support businesses and “maintain the vibrancy and vitality” of Victoria.
“Our small businesses, already hit hard economically and emotionally by the pandemic, are left with repair bills or insurance deductibles,” said Mayor Lisa Helps. “We will be looking into what steps the City can take in partnership with the DVBA to support the vibrancy of downtown and address the impacts of vandalism.”
Partnerships have been formed between the City and the DVBA before. Last year, the City deployed a grant of $20,000 to the DVBA to help with graffiti removal. The DVBA has also previously administered My Great Neighbourhood grants – money provided for placemaking projects in the community – on behalf of their members.
“The DVBA is very happy to work with the City to support our small businesses during these trying times, especially given the recent rash of vandalism and the ongoing challenges of the pandemic,” said DVBA Executive Director Jeff Bray.
Victoria Police revealed yesterday that a man had been arrested after he smashed the windows of at least 14 properties around the city. It turns out this was the same man who stole a water taxi from Victoria Harbour Ferry the previous day, which resulted in a marine pursuit and an arrest as well.
Police have also issued a warning to downtown businesses about a recent streak of break-and-enters. In these break-ins, police say the suspect used a sophisticated technique of removing the glass from doors and windows.
“This approach requires specialized tools and knowledge and, in some files, has been effective in defeating alarm systems,” noted police in a release issued on January 5. “In instances when the glass removal technique has failed, the thieves may resort to more brute force methods; smashing windows and prying doors.”
Most of the recent break-and-enters are predominantly occurring overnight when the businesses are unoccupied, add Victoria Police.
Earlier this week, Victoria Police stated that there were 28 business break-ins between January 1-18 in 2021 – surpassing the number of break-ins during the entire 31 days of December, which was 26.
VicPD continues to investigate this string of sophisticated break-ins.
“Businesses are already suffering. The last thing they need is to come in and find a broken window. While we may not be able to provide much financial relief, this unanimous decision by Council to partner with the DVBA is a show of support,” added Mayor Helps.
City staff says they will work with the DVBA and will report back to Council in the coming weeks.
Graham Cox
