A commentary by a fourth-year sociology student at the University of Victoria.
Victoria is feeling the effects of the federal government’s changes to the bail system.
I write this aware and critical of the current state of our jail system, one that exploits labour and often lacks meaningful restorative programming.
I write this painfully aware of the lack of mental health support, lack of secure housing and an untamed opioid crisis.
I agree. It’s not one thing. However, the active disregard for resolving crime by the federal government is impacting Victoria, and the magnitude of this effect is often diminished.
On Thursday the Victoria Police Department sent out a notice on X calling for any witnesses or video footage regarding mass vandalism involving dozens of vehicles. The next day, car owners in Fairfield experienced a similar surprise, with at least four vehicles being vandalized. While non-violent, these acts disrupt our communities.
In a two-day spree, dozens of vehicles were vandalized. That means dozens of claims to ICBC and dozens of deductibles, and for those unfortunate enough to have damaged windows, it could mean days without their regular transportation, perhaps slashing their ability to work. Who’s to say if this will have any effect on regional rates come time to renew ICBC coverage?
While VicPD remains on the hunt for the suspect, one starts to wonder if there’s any point in laying blame. With a system that has repeatedly shown Victoria to offer no support in protecting people from those likely to repeat violent and non-violent offences — the point of finding blame is mute.
For those wondering why car vandalism is a big deal, it’s the unfortunate truth that until Victoria and the Island in general put some real time and money into developing a more complex transit system many people will rely on cars.
Additionally, car share companies aren’t going to want to expand services in areas where vandalism is a common or continuing occurrence. Similarly, tourists (and their money) aren’t going to be keen to come to our beautiful city if crime is treated in such a relaxed fashion.
Today it’s car vandalism and I’m sure many of you can remember at least a small list of inconveniences related to unresolved criminal behaviour in the last year.
Sure, to many it is just an inconvenience. But it speaks volumes about what is permissible in this city and who has to pay the price. Whether that price is a deductible, increased insurance rates or personal safety. The $200 or $300 deductible could be someone’s grocery money or part of their rent.
Canadians everywhere are feeling the strain. It is time for Victoria to get serious about dealing with the increase in crime and look to provincial and federal governments as to what they are going to do to protect our safety, economy and community.
Non-violent crimes have lasting effects on communities. We need to see the end of repetitive offending, which the federal bail changes enable. We need to look at long-term solutions for fortifying our social foundation. It’s naïve to think someone whose basic material and health needs are being met is the common perpetrator of vehicle vandalism and some of the more violent incidents downtown Victoria has experienced in the last months. People are struggling but we can’t just let it happen.
I urge you to think about this critically: how can we make meaningful changes? The current strategy is not working.
We see it here in Victoria and the rest of sa国际传媒 is seeing it tenfold.
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