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Violent crime rose by more than 15 per cent in Windsor and Amherstburg in 2023, according to recently released Statistics Canada data.
The federal agency’s latest report also shows that, compared to the previous year, robberies reported to Windsor Police Service were up 21 per cent and assaults climbed 16 per cent.
StatsCan’s report outlines the volume and severity of police-reported crime in Canada, as measured by the Crime Severity Index.
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It shows an overall increase nationally for the third consecutive year — up two per cent in 2023 — an upward trend that began in 2015.
But the Windsor Police Service, which serves both Windsor and Amherstburg, said the local crime severity index increased by 4.8 per cent last year, with violent crime up 15.5 per cent and the non-violent crime severity index up 0.6 per cent.
Local police said 45 per cent of assaults reported were related to intimate partner violence.
Police say it’s crucial to recognize the signs of intimate partner violence and know how to help.
Those signs can include a partner’s forced isolation from friends and family, the need for permission to do anything, a relationship that involves constant insults or shaming.
Perpetrators of intimate partner violence may also damage the other person’s belongings and usually have control over all finances.
Help a person experiencing intimate partner violence by staying connected, showing support, asking about their safety and providing a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Helping to start a safety plan is also crucial.
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When it comes to non-violent crimes, fraud led the way, with an increase of 28 per cent in 2023, followed by shoplifting, which was up 24.8 per cent.
Reported break and enters decreased by 12.7 per cent.
“We continue to take a data-driven, evidence-based policing approach to promote public safety and reduce crime,” Deputy Police Chief Jason Crowley said in a statement.
“This strategy includes adjustments to resource allocation and working collaboratively with community partners to address the underlying issues that drive violent crime, such as mental health, substance use, and homelessness.”
Across Canada, the non-violent index, which includes property offences, fraud, motor vehicle theft and drug offences, rose three per cent in 2023, following a five-per-cent increase in 2022.
The CSI report said a significant contributor to the 2023 increase was a higher rate of police-reported child pornography, which increased 52 per cent.
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The increased reporting of child pornography was attributed partially to more cases, both current and historical, being forwarded to local police services by specialized provincial internet child exploitation police units and the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre.
Nationally, the violent crime index remained virtually unchanged with an increase of 0.4 per cent in 2023. That followed a 13 per cent cumulative increase over the previous two years.
The CSI is one of several measures of crime in Canada. It looks at both the volume and the severity of crime.
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