Canada: Crime surges in Surrey as violent offenses rise 31%, property crimes up 12%
Babushahi Bureau
Surrey, Canada, June 3, 2026: Crime rates in Surrey, one of British Columbia’s largest cities, have risen sharply during the first four months of 2026, according to the latest statistics released by the Surrey Police Service.
The data shows a significant increase in both violent and property-related crimes compared to the same period last year. Crimes against persons climbed by 31 per cent, while property crimes rose by 12 per cent between January and April 2026.
Despite the rise in criminal activity, calls for police service recorded a slight decline of three per cent. Police received 55,706 calls during the period, down from 57,159 calls in the corresponding months of 2025.
A closer look at the figures reveals that crimes against persons increased from 2,105 cases to 2,756 cases. Property crimes also rose from 6,252 to 6,983 incidents.
Among the most alarming trends was a 300 per cent increase in homicide cases, with the number of murders rising from two to eight. Shooting incidents nearly doubled, jumping 94 per cent from 17 to 33 cases. Sexual assaults increased by 16 per cent, rising from 169 to 196 cases, while simple assaults climbed 24 per cent from 1,062 to 1,314 incidents. Robberies also recorded a 30 per cent increase, rising from 122 to 158 cases.
Police data further highlighted a dramatic spike in cases categorized as the “South Asian Series,” which surged from four incidents to 95, representing an increase of more than 2,200 per cent.
Property-related offences also showed troubling trends. Commercial burglaries rose by 60 per cent, increasing from 144 to 231 cases. Theft from vehicles climbed 21 per cent, while possession of stolen property increased by 31 per cent. Identity theft and fraud cases registered a sharp 59 per cent rise.
However, some categories recorded improvements. Residential break-ins and vehicle thefts both declined by three per cent, while arson incidents fell by five per cent.
Beyond crime statistics, Surrey also witnessed a 36 per cent increase in mental health-related files, which rose from 1,385 to 1,881 cases. Missing-person investigations increased by four per cent during the same period.
Road safety showed modest improvement, with fatal traffic collisions declining by 14 per cent compared to last year.
The rising crime figures, coupled with recent violent incidents including a deadly shooting in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood, have intensified concerns about public safety and added pressure on local authorities and law enforcement agencies.