This is the best summary I could come up with:

On Thursday, the update about the unsettling public safety issue was shared through a report to the city’s police board, which said there has been a “steady decline” in unprovoked attacks where there was little to no connection between the victim and assailant.

They do not include intimate partner violence, thefts, robberies, violent shoplifting, fights at bars, road rage or assaults on police.

The startling number of attacks prompted public safety meetings in communities and discussions over how unmet mental health needs, housing and poverty were factoring into the problem.

In addition, empty streets during the pandemic meant there were fewer bystanders around to intervene or witness the attacks, whereas now public spaces are busier, meaning they’re safer, according to VPD.

VPD is also commending the push by the province for bail reform in the criminal justice system and its Safer Communities Action Plan, which was launched a year ago.

Premier David Eby said the program was meant to ensure people who commit violent acts face consequences, but also address mental-health and addiction issues, “to break the cycle of a life in and out of jail.”

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