Chinatown in Vancouver is taking action against crime and street disorder that have gotten worse during the pandemic without waiting for a new civic government to be sworn in.
Instead, residents are devising fresh strategies to combat the sporadic assaults and graffiti vandalism afflicting the historic neighbourhood.
For the first time in three years, Ryan Diaz will be offering a free women’s self-defence seminar at his gym on Oct. 22.
In an interview with Global News on Saturday, Diaz said, “It’s just the reality of things that are happening right now.
Currently, attacks happen frequently. ”
The proprietor of Diaz Combat Sports and a martial arts instructor doesn’t mince words while discussing the events outside his Chinatown shop.
On July 9, a man was seen on Diaz’s surveillance footage pinning a woman and child to the ground.
Shakwan Kelly, 27, is being held in custody while being arraigned on assault charges on October 19.
On September 11, a delivery driver from Afghanistan who had just recently immigrated to Canada was attacked by an onlooker a few metres away on Gore Avenue and East Pender Street. A aggravated assault accusation was brought against Dennis Prasad, 43, after his arrest. Prior to a bail hearing on October 18, Prasad, who is also charged with aggravated assault in connection with a second incident of random stabbing that happened close to Oppenheimer Park on September 10, is still being held.
A 93-year-old man who has spent 30 years living in Chinatown was shoved to the ground by an unknown person on October 11 as he was on his way to his bakery along Main Street close to Pender. The elderly victim, according to the police, had a broken hip. The surveillance-captured culprit has not yet been named.
“I’m really sad that that’s happening,” said Diaz.
I’m sad for everyone, but foremost I’m sad for the victims. I’m also sad for the perpetrators because they might be struggling mentally or in need of support. ”
When he was six years old, Diaz recalled going to New Town Bakery for Dim Sum every Sunday. However, he noted that Chinatown has changed much since he was a child.
Even I check my back when I’m walking down the street, Diaz admitted.
“I’m careful now like I’m not scared, but I’m aware.
”
In addition to unwarranted violence, vandalism in Chinatown includes racial graffiti.
The TD Bank Group donated $10,000 to support the Chinese Community Policing Centre’s graffiti eradication operation for the first time on Saturday.
“We understand that Chinatown is also a very important cultural history for our Chinese-Canadians and that’s why we want to actually lend a hand to help revive Chinatown,” said Kenneth Yuen of TD Bank Group.
It’s personal to Yuen, who fled Hong Kong as a young child.
“Chinatown is truly a part of, and it was very important to my upbringing in Canada. ”
Diaz is now maintaining a queue for his free women’s training event due to the overwhelming response it has received.
He expressed excitement about encouraging women to have confidence in themselves and recognise that they are far more capable than they may realize.
“This is my way that I feel I can give back to the community,” said Diaz.
“We want to do our part to help our neighbourhood and our city. ”.
Community people in Chinatown mobilise to combat sporadic assaults and vandalism
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