The severity and volume of crimes increased in Winnipeg last year at a higher rate than any other Canadian city.
New numbers released Monday by Statistics Canada show Winnipeg’s police-reported Crime Severity Index jumped 16 per cent between 2015 and 2016 – the largest increase out of Canada’s census metropolitan areas.
Statistics Canada said it was due to more reported incidents of robbery and break and enters.
Manitoba Justice Minister Heather Stefanson said the statistics are concerning.
"There is nothing more important to our government than the safety of Manitobans," Stefanson said in a emailed statement. "We recognize there is much work to be done to improve the criminal justice system in Manitoba."
Stefanson said the province has undertaken a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system to target systemic issues which hinder efforts in crime prevention and restorative justice.
"Manitoba Justice will partner with all stakeholders in the justice system to find solutions to these challenges and improve safety for all Manitobans.”
Regina’s Crime Severity Index increased 15 per cent primarily due to more incidents of fraud and attempted murder.
Across Canada, the overall Crime Severity Index increased one per cent between 2015 and 2016.
It’s the second consecutive year there’s been an increase following 11 years of decline.
The Crime Severity Index dropped by 14 per cent in Trois-Rivières and by 12 percent in Victoria.
