Winnipeg sees largest jump in crime severity index: StatCan data
Posted July 30, 2023 1:19 pm.
Last Updated July 30, 2023 1:23 pm.
The latest crime severity index paints a grim portrait of the situation in Winnipeg and across Manitoba.
The data released by Statistics Canada, which measures crime per 100,000 people, shows Winnipeg saw the largest jump in crime severity – 20 per cent – of any other Canadian city from 2021 to 2022.
“Yeah it’s not safe at night, especially downtown, the Portage area,” one Winnipegger told CityNews. “Around after 8, 9 or 10 p.m. you should not go alone.”
Manitoba recorded the largest increase of any province at 14 per cent. The overall increase across Canada was four per cent.
“I’ve been attacked, I’ve been assaulted, I’ve had somebody hold a knife to my throat,” one Winnipeg resident said.
“I don’t go out after dark and I make sure that places are crowded with people. You know the first week after this happened, I’m like, ‘can I walk with you, do you mind if I walk with you?’ And they are like ‘OK, fine.’”
MORE ON WINNIPEG CRIME:
- Winnipeg least-safe place to live in Canada: data
- Highest level of violent crime in Winnipeg since 2009
- Car thefts in Winnipeg up 30% over 5-year average: police
- Larger issues at play in Winnipeg’s rising crime tide: experts
Crime severity index is measured by the volume of crime and its severity. Both violent and non-violent crime contributed fairly equally to the increase in Manitoba.
In May, Winnipeg police released their statistical report for 2022; total crimes rose by 25.6 per cent in the city.
“They need more police presence downtown,” said a Winnipegger. “I know they have an initiative going now but I would love to see horseback policemen back in this city. That would make a very noticeable presence.
“I’m not concerned for my own safety; I’m always aware of where I am. But I’m concerned with other people’s safety.”
Owners of a convenience store in Winnipeg’s downtown, who did not want their identity or business name broadcasted due to fear of being a targeted, told CityNews they have had to take safety measures to protect their business and customers.
On the advice of the business’ former owner, the entrance to their store is only unlocked when a customer wants to come in and make a purchase. They were considering changing that policy at first but opted against that based on their experience so far.
Sign outside Winnipeg store explaining door is locked unless customers want to enter. (CityNews)
Sachit Mehra, the owner of East India Company Eatery and Pub, says more people frequenting the downtown area can drive up safety.
“It’s about density, it’s about vibrancy, it’s about things happening in different areas. Either from an economic standpoint or from a social standpoint, people getting together and doing things, this is always important,” said Mehra, who’s run the business for 32 years in the downtown area.
“Anytime you’ve got more people around each other, together, that’s a good thing.”
