Retailers in downtown Vancouver have boarded up storefronts in the hopes of preventing vandalism and looting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With no staff and few people around, many fear their businesses could be a prime target.
Vancouver Police say thieves are attempting to take advantage of commercial spaces that are closed due to social distancing measures — and as a result, police are currently running several investigations targeting prolific offenders.
Vancouver Police are encouraging businesses to implement the following measures to prevent property crime:
- Move merchandise away from windows and out of view or remove it from the retail space altogether
- Use window shutters to minimize damage and reduce visibility
- Upgrade locks
- Increase outdoor lighting levels to ensure the space around your business is visible and well-lit
urbanYVR photographed the state of downtown Vancouver on Sunday, March 29, 2020, from the Central Business District, to Robson, Alberni, Granville and Gastown.
Retailers who have boarded up their storefronts include Lululemon, Aritzia, Nike, COS, Club Monaco, Hublot and others, while many more have papered over windows and drawn curtains to obscure what’s inside.
Video: Downtown Vancouver during the pandemic
