The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) yesterday released its latest statistics, showing that while most metrics are down, violent crime is steadily increasing.
As the community transitions to wider re-openings, nearly all statistics in the major crime categories are significantly lower for the 22-week period between March 17 and August 26, 2020, compared with the same time period last year, said a DRPS statement.
Violent crime, however, is steadily increasing back to normal levels over the past two months. As well, there is a 69 per cent increase in motorcycle/ATV drive complainants, or 174 incidents, said the statement.
Likely due to the closure of many retail stores, shoplifting calls are down 314 incidents, or 75 per cent.
When reviewing the year-to-date statistics and comparing it to the same time period in 2019, changes have been seen in the following call types and reported crime:
- Property Crime reports are down by 1,121, or 13 per cent
- Violent Crime reports are down by 290, or 10 per cent
- Impaired Driver calls are down 628 incidents, or 20 per cent
- Domestic and Domestic-Related calls are up 171 incidents, or 6 per cent
There were 14 fatal collisions this year, which is well above last year’s total of nine at this time, however, the higher number is close to the five-year average.
Other updates:
- Since our last update on July 3, a third employee tested positive but has since recovered. No other cases have been reported.
- For the safety of all motorists, DRPS will be maintaining physical distancing and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when conducting roadside impaired investigations.
- Since the State of Emergency, motor vehicle collisions have declined by 35 per cent (from 3,825 in 2019 to 2,449 in 2020) when comparing March 17 – August 26 this year to the same time frame last year.
DRPS officers continue to patrol your communities to keep them safe and respond to emergencies as they arise. Like the rest of the community, we are practicing physical distancing and following personal protective protocols as required, the statement added.
Resources:
- The DRPS wants to remind citizens that there are support services available and ready to help them. Please visit the Region of Durham’s website for a comprehensive list of community services.
- For information about supports for victims of crime, please visit.
- Youth who need support or assistance can use Kids Help Home or calling 1-800-668-6868.
- In emergencies, please call 9-1-1. If you want to contact us about a non-emergency, please call 1-888-579-1520. You can report less serious crimes on our website www.drps.ca under Online Services.
- Citizens can report a gathering of more than 50 people indoors, 100 people outdoors, or a non-compliant business on www.drps.ca under Online Services – Community Concerns. As a secondary option, citizens can call the DRPS non-emergency line at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5802 and leave a message. The DRPS will endeavor to respond to these calls in a timely manner, however, our focus continues to be on emergency calls for service.
- Call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659 for clarification whether a situation falls under the non-compliance orders. Assistance is available Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information visit: ontario.ca/stopthespread.
- For the most up-to-date public information about Covid-19 in Durham Region. Citizens can contact Durham Public Health via email at health@durham.ca, or by phone at 1-800-841-2729 or 905-668-2020.
- Reports regarding price gouging must go directly to the Province of Ontario. File a complaint at 1-800-889-9768 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, or file a report online at www.ontario.ca
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