There have been 155 hate-related crimes in Vancouver so far in 2020

Vancouver police say while the COVID-19 pandemic continues, hate-related incidents in the city are still occurring at a higher than normal rate, including those targeting the Asian community.

Police say so far this year they have identified 155 hate-associated reports, compared to 69 hate-associated reports for the same time in 2019.

Investigators are still working on 35 files where the incidents have been identified as a potential hate crime. Charges have been recommended to Crown counsel for 16 files and the remaining 19 files are still under investigation.

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So far, 103 files have been concluded as police say there is either no suspect or no evidence that would lead to the identification of a suspect. There is still the possibility these files could be reopened at a later date if more evidence is found.

Police say they are now using data and analytics to increase police presence in harder-hit areas where these crimes are taking place, they have formed a special hate crime project team and reported forms for hate crime incidents are available in Chinese.

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Vancouver police say a recent Zoom meeting to address hate crimes in the city had more than 300 participants.

“This remains a top priority for the Vancouver police, as crimes against race, gender, and sexual orientation are serious and intolerable,” Visintin added.

“We recognize this continues to be a problem in our city. We are making it our goal to combat it as quickly as possible.”

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Anyone who is a victim of a hate crime is asked to call 911. Non-emergency incidents can be reported by calling 604-717-3321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.