Burnaby is generally safe for a large, urban city, which is an important factor to consider if you’re planning on relocating to Burnaby and researching neighbourhood safety before your move. Its overall risk profile sits lower than Vancouver and Surrey on recent Crime Severity Index comparisons, and most incidents involve non-violent categories like theft from auto. This guide explains the data, the safest areas, and practical tips for day and night.
Is Burnaby Safe? The Crime Rate in Burnaby
The Crime Severity Index (CSI) compares communities by weighting offences. Recent tables place Burnaby around a violent CSI ~64 and non-violent ~79 for 2023, with metro-wide CSI easing in 2024. Vancouver’s metro CSI eased in 2024, and 2023 municipal snapshots put Burnaby below Vancouver and Surrey. Vancouver reads higher on both violent and non-violent, and Surrey trends higher on non-violent.
In day-to-day life, property crime drives many calls, so parking habits and building access matter more than street violence. For metro context, see the official Statistics Canada CMA table.
Is Burnaby in Vancouver Safe Compared to Nearby Cities?
At the metropolitan level, Vancouver’s CSI sits above the national average, yet Burnaby’s municipal index typically trends lower than Vancouver’s and Surrey’s in the latest annual tables. Local reporting of 2023 data lists Burnaby’s violent CSI in the mid-60s and non-violent in the high-70s, reflecting a balanced but watchful picture for a busy city.
Safest Areas in Burnaby to Live Right Now
Safety varies block by block, but several areas are consistently popular with careful renters and buyers:
- Burnaby Heights / Willingdon Heights: Strong community feel and active neighbourhood networks. City programs like Block Watch support neighbour-to-neighbour awareness.
- Brentwood: Bright streets, transit, and retail presence. Keep vehicles clear of bags and gadgets near major corridors and mall parking.
- Deer Lake / Upper Deer Lake: Quieter residential pockets near civic facilities.
- Lochdale / North Burnaby: Family-oriented streets with parks and schools.
- SFU / UniverCity / Forest Grove: Campus presence and frequent foot traffic around core buildings, with escorts available after dark.
If you are weighing lifestyle fit, here’s a more in-depth look: Is Burnaby a Good Place to Live?
Is Burnaby Safe at Night? Transit, Parks, and Family Tips
Nights are active around the SkyTrain and town centres. Use lit routes, pocket your phone when not needed, and park near entrances or under lights. For students or late shifts, plan a meet-up point and walk with others when possible.
Families can rehearse simple check-in routines at malls and parks. The City backs community safety with Block Watch and education sessions you can join. If a late move is unavoidable, try to complete the heavy elevator work earlier. Booking ahead cuts last-minute night moves: How Far in Advance Should I Book Movers?
Keep these official contacts handy. They shorten response times and help with after-hours decisions.
- Emergency: 911.
- Burnaby RCMP non-emergency: 604-646-9999. Main detachment: 6355 Deer Lake Ave, 8 am–8 pm daily. Four Community Police Offices also serve Districts 1–4.
- Transit Police non-emergency: 604-515-8300 or text 87-77-77 for discreet reports on SkyTrain, bus, and SeaBus.
- SFU Safe Walk (24/7): 778-782-7991 or the SFU Safe app.
- BCIT Safer Walk (24/7 at Burnaby campus): 604-451-6856.
Our team recently moved a young family into a tower at The Amazing Brentwood. They felt comfortable walking from Gilmore after 9 pm thanks to the lighting and steady foot traffic. We still suggested simple habits like locking the parkade, clearing car interiors, and taking bikes upstairs. Small steps reduce avoidable incidents.
Moving safely in Burnaby with Professional Movers in Burnaby
If you are moving to Burnaby, safety starts with planning. Safety is in our name for a reason. If your question is “Is Burnaby safe?”, our answer is to move securely.
With trained crews, careful routing, certificate-of-insurance on request, and tidy elevator scheduling, Secure Moving turns moving safely in Burnaby into a simple plan. Tell us your building windows and we will handle the rest.
Around Metrotown and Brentwood, we stage items inside the lobby before rolling to the truck so your entry stays secure. For clear pricing before you pick dates, see How Much Do Movers Cost in Burnaby, BC?
Here are some tips for moving safely in Burnaby:
- Book elevator windows early so most loading happens before late evening.
- Confirm loading zone and any permits with strata or the city.
- Pre-stage indoors with the concierge so doors are attended and time at the curb is short.
- Label and group boxes by room to speed elevator cycles.
- Carry high-value items and small electronics with you, not in a parked car.
- Share quick contacts for the building manager, concierge, and the crew lead.
If a night move is unavoidable, bring small flashlights, keep the path lit, and coordinate a buddy escort to the parkade for the last unload.
