We are pleased to introduce the Downtown Duncan Safety and Security Patrol Program, a new initiative launching July 1, 2025, in partnership with Footprints Security. This program has been developed in direct response to the growing safety and security concerns expressed by businesses in our downtown core.

Recent survey results from DDBIA members show a clear need for additional support:

• Only 47% of members feel safe working downtown.
  

• 63% of members have noticed a rise in street disorder since BC’s decriminalization of drug possession in January 2023.
  

• 74% report increased drug paraphernalia, 72% increased homelessness, and 71% increased mental health or drug-related activity near their businesses.
  

• 32% have experienced broken windows or doors; 40% have had graffiti on their storefronts.
  

• Businesses identified discarded needles, public defecation, and excessive litter—over 20,000 instances last year alone—as top concerns.
  

These challenges have led to increased stress, lost customers, and higher operating costs. From July 2023 to July 2024, DDBIA members reported over $450,000 in financial losses, including vandalism, theft, and fraud.

To help address these issues, the Downtown Duncan BIA is partnering with Footprints Security to provide enhanced nightly patrol services at highly discounted rates, starting as low as $3/day, depending on the size of your business. Footprints Security is a trusted, Vancouver Island–based firm with over 45 years of experience serving local communities.

Through this program, participating businesses will receive continuous nightly mobile patrols between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM, along with detailed electronic patrol and activity reporting. This initiative is designed to deter crime, increase visibility, and offer peace of mind to downtown business owners and staff.

Phase 1 of the program will operate on a first come, first served basis. We encourage you to secure your spot early by contacting Footprints Security or the Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area Society for more information.

Thank you for your continued commitment to making Downtown Duncan a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place to do business.