While York Region remains one of the safest communities in Canada, the region is experiencing an increase in violent crime in 2024. York Regional Police is reassuring residents that we are responding to the community’s concerns by taking action and working closely with our neighbouring police services and national partner agencies to fight these crimes.
As of August 27, 2024, the region has experienced an increase in violent crime including:
- A 92 per cent annual increase in gun crime from August 2023
- A 106 per cent increase in carjackings from August 2023
The spike in gun violence can be attributed to organized crime groups, which are responsible for the nationwide increases in auto thefts since 2020. The ongoing conflicts within the tow truck industry have also led to an increase in gun violence and arson, as some groups have used these tactics as a means of threatening and intimidating their business rivals.
Access to illegal firearms also remains a major concern for York Regional Police. The organization is advocating the government for bail reform and stricter sentencing for firearms offences.
“This trend in violent gun crime is a major concern. My top priority is to invest as many resources as we have available to us to combat this trend, to ensure the residents of York Region are not only kept safe, but they also feel safe,” said Chief Jim MacSween.
While violent gun crime remains an ongoing concern, auto thefts have declined by approximately 33 per cent in 2024. This is a result of the many large-scale initiatives that York Regional Police has managed within the region. York Regional Police has also taken a leading role in multiple joint-task force operations conducted throughout the country to combat auto theft.
Next month, York Regional Police will be launching two major operational initiatives. A dedicated carjacking unit is being formed to focus on the investigation into carjackings. York Regional Police will also be launching a wide-scale auto theft prevention campaign, Autoguard 2.0, outlining the steps community members can take to protect their vehicles.
Additionally, residents can expect to see more officers throughout the region, as the police service has deployed increased patrols.
2024 YTD Homicides
During the last two months, there have been a number of highly publicized homicides in the region. As of August 27, 2024 there have been 15 homicides in York Region, with five taking place since July 25,2024.
The majority of this year’s homicide cases were targeted and arrests were made within a week of the occurrence. Despite this, York Regional Police recognizes this trend is frightening and may jeopardize the community’s feeling of safety and well-being.
2024 YTD Hate Crime Trends
In 2024, hate crimes also rose by four per cent year over year.
The growing levels of hate crime and hate-motivated incidents continue to be an area of concern to police.
York Regional Police would like to remind the community that the diversity within the region is what makes it a desirable place to live. Our members have been in regular, ongoing contact with faith leaders and members of all of our community groups.
“I am asking people across the region to work with police to ensure our community remains one of the safest in the country,” said Chief MacSween.
“These are simple, everyday actions to be an ambassador for your community. Pay attention to your surroundings, chat with your neighbours and if you see something out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to report it to York Regional Police immediately.”
York Regional Police thanks members of the community for their continued support of the service’s efforts to combat crime.
Anyone with information is asked to contact York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
In an emergency or to report a crime in progress, call 9-1-1.
We encourage residents to visit the York Regional Police Community Safety Data Portal to keep up-to-date on crime statistics and trends. Detailed crime prevention strategies and information regarding current incidents can be found at yrp.ca. Anyone with concerns about incidents in their area is encouraged to contact their local police district to learn about the crime prevention and enforcement programs currently taking place.
A video of the press conference outlining the year to date crime trends can be viewed here: Press Conference: YRP Releases 2024 Year to Date Crime Trend Statistics - YouTube.
For more information, please contact the Media Relations Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 2664 or mediarelations@yrp.ca.
Prepared by: Constable Kevin Nebrija
August 27, 2024
