Homicides, Gun Violence And Hate Crime Occurrences Remain High in Winnipeg, Manitoba

With the growing violence in Winnipeg, Manitoba there are concerns about whether the city is safe to live in.

The Winnipeg Police Service has released their 2021 Statistical Report, including the crimes reported to the authorities in Winnipeg. The report summarized that calls to the Police Communications Centre have increased by almost 10 per cent and of the calls dispatched, the number of Check Wellbeing incidents increased by 9 per cent. Gun-related calls have increased by 27 per cent over the last five years. There have been fewer property crime reports, such as shoplifting, but violent crimes have increased since 2020. While homicides in the city are high for the third year in a row, clearance rates for homicides are also high.

In 2021, 54,724 total crimes were committed in Winnipeg: 21.3 per cent in the North, 22.7 per cent in the East, 28.1 per cent in the West, and 24.2 per cent Centrally. That said, crimes have decreased in all areas of the city, except the North end, which saw a 0.4 per cent increase. In terms of community Transcona, River Heights, River East, St. Boniface, Fort Garry, and Assiniboine South were outlined as having the lowest violent crime rates, all falling between 11 to 18 per cent.

“The recent crime activity on the streets of Winnipeg is deeply concerning. Let me be clear, violent attacks against innocent civilians will never be acceptable. Manitobans deserve to feel safe and protected in their community”, said Manitoba’s Premier, Heather Stefanson.

Hate crimes also increased in 2021, with a 46.2 per cent increase noted; 8 per cent of crimes because of sexual orientation, 39 per cent because of religion and 53 per cent because of race or ethnicity. Black people were the most targeted in terms of race, and Jews most targeted in terms of faith. As depicted in the report, visible minorities experience the worst violence in the form of hate crimes in Winnipeg, which begs the question, is Winnipeg safe to live in anymore?

The Winnipeg Police Services has announced that they will add 16 cameras in downtown Winnipeg as part of their ongoing security program.