The Winnipeg Police Service 2021 Statistical Report is by its nature a collection of crimes reported to police that occurred in Winnipeg. While the statistics are informative, what’s missing is the context and stories behind the crime reports.
Our community has been impacted by the pandemic. All of us have had to adapt to restrictions associated to public gatherings, vaccinations and PPEs. For many that meant greater isolation and stress. Many businesses were negatively impacted – particularly in the hospitality industry. For others normal work, school, and recreation routines were altered. Social conditions associated to addictions, mental health, and homelessness were further exacerbated. The challenge for the second year in a row is trying to determine, and make sense of, how this environment has impacted crime trends, and police related calls for service.
There were several dynamics observed in 2021; some were interesting, and some were downright alarming. In no particular order, here’s some of what we experienced:
Calls to our Communications Centre increased by almost 10%, although the total number of dispatched events was lower than in 2020. Of the calls dispatched, the number of Check Wellbeing incidents increased by 9%, surpassing Domestic incidents as the most dispatched event for the second year in a row.
Gun-related calls for service increased by 27% over the past five years. Firearm activity is a serious concern that we continue to address through our Gang and Gun Suppression Strategy.
Property crime has changed with significantly fewer reports of shoplifting, particularly in liquor stores. However, in its place there was a marked and sustained increase in the theft of vehicle accessories (particularly catalytic converters) as the most stolen property.
Violent crime increased slightly over 2020. This was driven primarily by a resurgence in assaults, particularly assaults involving weapons. The number of violent crimes involving knives is also notable.
Homicides remain high for the third year in a row, well outside the five-year average. On a positive note, clearance rates for homicides also remain high, a testament to the dedicated resources assigned to investigate the most serious crime.
I would like to acknowledge all members of the Winnipeg Police Service for their care and commitment to those who live, work, and play in Winnipeg. Thank you for watching out for our community, and watching out for each other.
Chief Danny Smyth