Annual report confirms more crime on the streets of Oakville, Burlington, Milton

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Published May 16, 2023 at 10:38 am

Halton Police Headquarters

Crime in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills jumped significantly last year in every category tracked by Halton police.

Even when adjusted for population increased, incidents of violent crime and property crime jumped by 25 to 35 per cent.

The numbers were revealed in the recently released Halton Regional Police Service 2022 Annual Report.

Violent crime was up 29 per cent when compared to 2021. Homicides jumped from two to five, attempted murders doubled from two to four, sexual assaults climbed from 213 to 265, other sexual offences jumped from 61 to 68, assaults went from 1,171 to 1,399, abduction/forcible confinement went from 39 to 44, robberies more than doubled from 68 to 152, and other violent crime rose from 533 to 757.

It was a similar story for property crime, which jumped a shocking 35.6 per cent when compared to 2021. Break and enters went from 676 to 818, auto thefts climbed from 872 to 1,302, theft over $5,000 went from 138 to 185, theft under $5,000 climbed from 3,647 to 5,103, arson jumped from five to 22, fraud was up from 1,017 to 1,411, mischief went from 981 to 1,123, and other property crimes went from 125 to 154.

It wasn’t much better on Halton streets as property damage collisions went from 5,410 to 7,719, injury collisions jumped from 764 to 937 and fatalities jumped to 10 from six.

The only crime that decreased in 2022 was impaired driving, from 490 to 421.

The police cleared a smaller percentage of crimes as well, from 43.8 per cent to 40.8 per cent.

Chief Stephen Tanner addressed the increased crime incidents in his opening message.

“While the worst of the COVID-19 was behind us, 2022 presented its own set of challenges. As life returned to normal, we – like other areas in Ontario – recorded increases in many categories of crime.

“Auto theft garnered considerable attention as occurrences spiked, year-over-year. The issue is not unique to Halton.”

However, Tanner said numerous individuals have been arrested, organized crime groups have been disrupted, and hundreds of vehicles have been seized.

“Approximately 48 per cent of vehicles stolen in Halton last year have been recovered.”

To see the full report, visit the Halton police website.

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