Despite the startup of a Vancouver Police task force earlier this year to tackle street crime and a provincial initiative launched in 2023 to crack down on repeat offenders, Marquis Wine Cellars owner John Clerides says it has had no effect on the increasing disorder, street crime and mental health issues downtown.

“I don’t see any difference,” he said bluntly.

Clerides, whose store is on Davie Street near Burrard, said he also is not surprised by the recent stark findings of a survey by the Business Improvement Association of B.C. on street crime.

The survey found that of 350 business owners, more than two-thirds said disorder has increased in the past year, citing drug and mental-health related activity, more homeless encampments, broken windows and doors, theft and violence.

The sur

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