Occurrence

An incident that can be either criminal or non-criminal in nature which can include a number of offences.

Offence

An event classified as a crime or punishable violation within the statues of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Assault

An offence that includes applying force to the victim directly or indirectly, including the direct or implied threat of physical harm or use of a weapon.

Homicide

An offence that involves the death of another person. Homicide offences include the categories of murder, homicide and manslaughter.

Sexual Assault

An offence that combines the components of assault with circumstances of a sexual nature where the suspect is not known to the victim. This would include a range of offences from unwelcome sexual comments or inappropriate touching, through to forced intercourse (rape).

Note:The Sexual Assault definition changed as of January 1st, 2008 in response to citizen’s feedback, to map occurrences involving only suspect(s) not known to the victim. The above definition is based on CrimeStat reporting specifications. All statistics prior to this date reflect the following definition based on the statutes of the Criminal Code of Canada which includes all suspects known or unknown:

An offence that combines the components of assault with circumstances of a sexual nature. This could include a range of offences from unwelcome sexual comments or inappropriate touching, through to forced intercourse (rape).

Shooting

An offence where a firearm has been discharged regardless of what the intended or unintended target was.  In order to be classified as a shooting, the actual firearm must be seen or evidence that one has been discharged must be available. A firearm excludes the following:

• Pellet gun
• Paintball gun
• BB gun

Robbery - Commercial / Financial

An offence that combines theft with violence or the threat of violence. These crimes are committed against a commercial business which sells goods or services to the public, or a financial institution such as a bank.

Robbery - Non Commercial / Financial

An offence that combines theft with violence or the threat of violence. These crimes are committed against a person and could include purse snatching, being robbed of name brand clothing, carjacking, or home invasion.

Break & Enter - Commercial

An offence where the perpetrator enters a commercial business or financial institution without permission, and commits another criminal offence. The additional offence most often refers to the theft of valuables such as computer equipment or cash. This category includes break and enter to compounds on a commercial property.

Break & Enter - Residential

An offence where the perpetrator enters a private residence without permission, and commits another criminal offence. The additional offence most often refers to the theft of valuables such as electronics.  This category includes break and enter to attached garages.

Break & Enter - Other

An offence where the perpetrator enters a public facility without permission, and commits another criminal offence. The additional offence most often refers to the theft of valuables such as electronics or tools.  Public facilities would include recreation facilities, libraries, and schools.  This category includes break and enter of external storage areas and detached garages of either residential or commercial properties.

Theft of Motor Vehicle - Attempt

An offence where a motor vehicle is entered, with an attack of the steering column or ignition but the vehicle was not moved.

Theft of Motor Vehicle - Actual

An offence where a motor vehicle is entered, with an attack of the steering column or ignition and the vehicle was moved.

% Change (Percent Change)

This calculation is completed by looking at the number of crimes that occurred within the current year for the time period displayed (# of crimes this year), minus the number of crimes that occurred in the previous year for the same time period (# of crimes last year), divided by the # of crimes last year and displaying the result as a percentage.