Losing some $3,000 in merchandise wasn’t how Yaletown business owner Jason Overbo wanted to start off the new year. That’s how much was taken in a single theft this week at his Brooklyn Clothing store on Hamilton Street, Overbo said. Surveillance video shows an employee chasing a hooded individual out of the store. It all happened in less than 10 seconds. “It’s always gut-wrenching,” Overbo said. “Unfortunately, it’s happened more than once.” The latest monthly police statistics, for November 2025, show Vancouver’s downtown core saw a 39 per cent decrease in theft under $5,000 compared to the same month the previous year—but Overbo said the numbers don’t paint the full picture. “Everyone that I know that owns a small business is suffering right now,” he said. Sarah Vallely, executive director of the Yaletown Business Improvement Association, said shoplifting is an issue across the city that needs to be addressed. “I don’t know where or when the breaking point is going to be,” she said. “I think we’ve passed it.” Vallely said the Yaletown BIA hired private 24-hour security for the area, but argued the responsibility can’t just fall on small business owners. “I think what we need is a response that includes both enforcement and support, but then also has to include accountability,” said Vallely. David Ian Grey, a retail advisor, told CTV News small businesses are integral to the health of communities, but there’s not much they can do to combat crime. “It’s really up to us putting political pressure on, putting the resources in place for crimeprevention, for addressing criminals, especially repeat offenders,” Grey said. On a personal level, Overbo said the situation has turned what was once a feeling of understanding into frustration. “I feel bad because I don’t have as much empathy as I used to have,” he said.
