Canada’s strict laws ensure people are dissuaded from choosing the wrong path. However, like the rest of the world, Canada isn’t free from crime. Many factors, like poverty, mental health issues, and access to weapons, result in people standing against the law. In this article, we’ve covered 27 Canadian cities that are seeing an increase in crime rate.
Surrey, BC
Our list is topped by Surrey, which has the highest crime index at 64.7. Crimes like gang violence, drug activity, and property crimes are rampant as the city fails to accommodate the rapid population growth. Moreover, the greater population adds to the struggles of law enforcement, which is dedicated to making the city crime-free.
Kelowna, BC
The city of Kelowna also has a high crime index of 62.1 and is struggling with a rise in crimes like theft, vandalism, and drug-related issues. The city was once hailed as a peaceful tourist destination. However, because of the fast urbanization and increasing housing pressure, the crime rate has started surging.
Sudbury, ON
With a crime index of 61.9, Sudbury is among the cities in Canada with the most crimes. Residents faced with economic hardships and addiction problems resort to unlawful activities. Many community programs are in place to reduce and rehabilitate drug addicts. Despite this, the crime rate is steadily increasing.
Winnipeg, MB
Winnipeg is the most dreaded city in Canada as it has the highest homicide rate in the entire country. Faced with poverty, the residents are forced to either join gangs or steal, which often leads to killing. More than 50 homicides are recorded annually in the city.
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
The city of Sault Ste. Marie has a crime index of 60.2, and drugs and home invasions make up most of the crimes committed in the city. Because of unemployment, people are forced to take the wrong path, which has led to this crime rate.
Hamilton, ON
Hamilton is a Canadian city with a high crime rate, currently standing at 55.8. The city is facing rapid population growth, which makes the economic gap wider. As a result, crimes like car theft, robbery, and assault are increasing, raising concerns about public safety.
Brampton, ON
Hamilton is followed by Brampton with an index of 55.3, and crimes like home invasions and gang violence are seeing a steady increase. The city has a growing, diverse population, and most of the youth are negatively influenced by the environment.
Kamloops, BC
Kamloops also suffers from a high crime index of 54.8, with property and drug-related crimes topping the list. The city is faced with a severe economic situation, and there’s high pressure on local mental health and rehabilitation services.
London, ON
London’s crime index is currently at 53.9, driven by an increase in drug offenses, petty theft, and street violence. Downtown is particularly vulnerable to harmful crimes. The situation has called for law enforcement agencies to focus on harm reduction and take community initiatives to make the city crime-free.
Regina, SK
Regina is crippled with socioeconomic disparity and limited housing facilities which has resulted in a high crime index of 53.4. The safety of the residents is at risk as violent incidents and property thefts steadily increase day by day.
Nanaimo, BC
Similar to Regina, Nanaimo has a crime index of 53.4, indicating an increase in property crimes and social disorder. Homelessness contributes to people taking the law into their own hands. The rising crime rate and an increased risk to public safety are major concerns for Nanaimo’s administration.
Saskatoon, SK
Saskatoon has a crime index score of 50.8, largely due to rising rates of theft, break-ins, and gang activity. In response to this situation, officials are stressing the importance of investing in communities to address the root causes of these crimes.
St. Catharines, ON
St. Catharines stands at 46.8 in the crime index, and as necessities increasingly become unaffordable, so does the crime rate increase. The most common crimes are burglary and other crimes committed under the influence of drugs.
Edmonton, AB
Edmonton’s crime index stands at 46.6 as thieves are rampant in the city. The city is plagued with armed robberies and car thefts. Matters are made worse due to the homelessness, addiction, and urban sprawl that hinder law enforcement agencies.
Windsor, ON
With a score of 46.2, Windsor’s crime rate is heavily influenced by its proximity to the U.S. border. Crimes like vehicle theft, trafficking, and cross-border criminal activity are common and are a threat to public safety.
Mississauga, ON
The city of Mississauga has a crime index score of 43.7, which is evidence of the rising gang-related violence and assaults. The city gives off a suburban feel, but some of its parts are a crime hub, presenting challenges for law enforcement.
Toronto, ON
Toronto, Canada’s largest urban hub, has a crime index of 43.4, which is an increase from the previous year. The major crimes involve gun violence and organized crime that have made residents, particularly in certain boroughs, fearful for their lives.
Vaughan, ON
Vaughan’s crime index stands at 43.2, with most of the crimes committed revolving around home invasions and luxury car theft. Residents of wealthier neighborhoods are particularly targeted, making the city specifically unsafe for upper-class families.
Kitchener, ON
Kitchener is one of Canada’s leading technological hubs, where multiple tech businesses are thriving. However, this growth has also widened the wealth gap, leading to an increase in burglaries and financial fraud. As a result, the city’s crime index is currently at 43.1.
Vancouver, BC
With a crime index of 43.0, the city of Vancouver is facing major social challenges, particularly in the Downtown Eastside. Many factors, including homelessness, opioid addiction, and mental health crises, have led to the present crime rate.
Victoria, BC
Victoria’s crime index has risen to 41.3 because of the increasing cases of theft and public safety issues in tourist areas. The factors behind this social decay are the unaffordable housing costs and subsequent homelessness, forcing people to choose the wrong ways to make ends meet.
Halifax, NS
The increasing number of assault cases and property crimes has raised Halifax’s crime index to 41.0. Authorities are blaming mental health problems and are taking measures to make mental health institutions accessible to all.
Calgary, AB
The rising criminal activities in both urban and suburban neighborhoods of Calgary have increased the crime index of the city to 38.4. Economic strains force people to become part of drug networks or take other wrongful means to fulfill their needs or desires.
Guelph, ON
The city of Guelph has been seeing an uptick in cases of domestic violence and financial fraud. These growing criminal activities are masked by the city’s relatively low index of 34.4. However, apart from these cases, the city is safe for the residents.
Montreal, QC
Montreal has a crime index of 32.8 and is struggling against crimes involving gang-related shootings and organized crime. Strong measures are being taken by law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal networks and make the city safe again.
Ottawa, ON
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, has been seeing rising cases of sexual assault and theft, which have brought its crime index score to 31.3. As the diverse population of the city grows, so does the complexity of its crime landscape.
Burlington, ON
Burlington is facing an increase in fraud and cybercrime, even though overall crime rates have slightly decreased. The suburbs are still peaceful with very little crime, but residents’ digital security is in danger from cybercriminals.
Conclusion
Canada has strict laws and effective law enforcement, which help keep crime levels low. While Canada is safer than many other countries, recent trends show that crime is rising in 27 cities. These cities need new policies to address the root cause of the problem: high living costs. By improving job opportunities and livelihoods for its citizens, Canada can help lower its crime rate.
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