VPD puts 80 extra officers on duty for Halloween; E-Comm gives guidance on when to call 911
Vancouver Police are increasing patrols in Granville, Gastown and other neighbourhoods Saturday night, and E-Comm says 911 calls rose 14 per cent last Halloween compared with a regular Friday.
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Vancouver Police are deploying 80 extra officers across the city on Halloween night, focusing on the Granville Entertainment District, Gastown, and other neighbourhoods, CityNews Vancouver reported Saturday, October 31, 2026.
E-Comm, the emergency communications centre for Metro Vancouver, says last Halloween in 2025 saw 14 per cent more 911 calls than a typical Friday night in October. Halloween 2026 falls on a Saturday, and emergency services say they are preparing for a busy evening.
When to call 911 and when to use the non-emergency line
E-Comm issued guidance on which calls belong where:
Call 911 for: fires, serious injuries, a break-in or vandalism happening in front of you, dangerous driving or collisions with injuries, and any immediate risk to public safety.
Use the police non-emergency line (604-717-3321) or report online at vpd.ca/report for: noise complaints, Halloween decorations stolen while no one is around, minor car accidents with no injuries, and fireworks in areas where they are not permitted. Minor accidents with no injuries should go to ICBC.
E-Comm says to check local bylaws before reporting fireworks, because rules vary by municipality.
Replica weapons and road safety
VPD asks residents to leave replica weapons at home. If bystanders mistake a prop for a real weapon, it can prompt emergency calls and a serious police response, the department said.
E-Comm also asks drivers to use extra caution in residential areas where children will be on the streets Saturday night. Children in costumes can be harder to see and can move in unpredictable ways, especially in the first hours of the evening when more of them are out. Knowing your location, the nearest street address, and nearby cross streets will help emergency services reach you faster if you do need to call 911.
Staying aware of your surroundings
E-Comm notes that Halloween parties can lead to noise complaints, which should go to the police non-emergency line rather than 911. Theft of Halloween decorations is another common report on the night. If you return home to find decorations taken and no suspect is around, use online reporting at vpd.ca/report rather than 911.
The VPD's Halloween policing increase is separate from its regular patrol staffing. Extra officers are added for the night and work alongside the regular duty complement. The Granville Entertainment District, which draws large crowds on weekend evenings, is one of the priority areas for the additional patrols.
Residents can follow updates from Vancouver Police at vpd.ca and from E-Comm at ecomm911.ca.
Questions this story answers
How many extra police officers are on duty in Vancouver for Halloween?
Vancouver Police Department says 80 extra officers will be on patrol Saturday night, October 31, 2026. CityNews Vancouver reported this figure from a VPD statement, citing patrols in the Granville Entertainment District, Gastown, and other neighbourhoods across the city.
Why does E-Comm expect more 911 calls on Halloween?
E-Comm, the emergency communications centre for Metro Vancouver, says that last Halloween in 2025, when the holiday fell on a Friday, 911 calls were up 14 per cent compared with a typical Friday night in October. Halloween 2026 falls on a Saturday, and E-Comm says this is expected to be a busy night for emergency services, as reported by CityNews Vancouver on October 31, 2026.
When should I call 911 versus the police non-emergency line on Halloween?
E-Comm says to call 911 for fires, serious injuries, a break-in or vandalism happening right now, dangerous driving or collisions with injuries, or any immediate public safety risk. For noise complaints, stolen Halloween decorations where no one is present, and minor car accidents with no injuries, use the police non-emergency line or report online. CityNews Vancouver reported this guidance from E-Comm on October 31, 2026.
Are fireworks allowed in Vancouver on Halloween?
E-Comm says fireworks rules vary by city and municipality. Before reporting fireworks, check your local bylaws first. If fireworks are not permitted in your area, report to bylaw services or the police non-emergency line. Call 911 only if there are fires, serious injuries, or a public safety risk, according to the E-Comm guidance reported by CityNews Vancouver.
Can I bring a replica weapon as part of a Halloween costume?
VPD asks residents to leave replica weapons at home. They can prompt emergency calls if bystanders mistake them for real weapons, and a weapons call brings a serious police response. CityNews Vancouver reported this guidance from a VPD statement on October 31, 2026.
What should I do if I am in a minor car accident on Halloween night?
E-Comm says minor accidents with no injuries should be reported to ICBC, not to 911. Call 911 only for collisions where someone is hurt or for dangerous driving you see happening now, according to the guidance reported by CityNews Vancouver on October 31, 2026.
Where are extra VPD patrols focused on Halloween night?
Vancouver Police said extra officers will be in the Granville Entertainment District and Gastown, along with other neighbourhoods across the city. CityNews Vancouver reported this from a VPD statement on October 31, 2026.
Where can I find the non-emergency police line for Vancouver?
The Vancouver Police non-emergency line is 604-717-3321. You can also file a non-emergency report online at vpd.ca/report. Use the non-emergency line for incidents like noise complaints and theft of property where no suspect is present.
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