Following drop in crime, homicide rates in 2025, WPS tracks 10 homicides from January to March of 2026
Posted April 2, 2026 5:25 pm.
Last Updated April 3, 2026 10:39 am.
Outreach workers are expressing relief as downtown crime and homicide rates have dropped in Winnipeg, but Dr. Michael Weinrath, professor in criminal justice at the University of Winnipeg, says he’s cautiously optimistic, as numbers show from the Winnipeg police show that from January to March of 2026, WPS tracked 10 homicides compared to 22 in all of 2025.
“Winnipeg is a city with high crime and higher violent crime. Particularly around the downtown area, the north end. Our rates are still high. And I don’t think it’s time to get complacent,” said Dr. Weinrath.
Kevin Walker with the Winnipeg Bear Clan says, they see dropping rates reflected in the streets.
He believes it’s the collaborative work of outreach groups alongside the police that helps with addressing safety concerns.
“There are going to be different struggles and things like that. But with us out there, I think it makes a bit of a difference in the community,” said Walker.
While it’s still early in the year, Dr. Weinrath says we might be heading for a spike in homicide rates.
“It would be around 30 if we keep at our current pace. In fact, 22 that we saw last year is something that was consistent 8-10 years ago,” said Dr. Weinrath.
Dr. Weinrath welcomes law enforcement efforts in targeted policing of repeated shoplifting and gang activities, but says more support is needed.
“We can’t police our way out of it; we need to make sure we put resources into a support system.”
CityNews reached out to the Winnipeg police for comment, but has not heard back at this time.
