Archives for February 2012

Yorkville is a neighbourhood located in downtown Toronto. It is known for its shopping, but there are also many single-family homes and condominiums in the Yorkville neighbourhood. Historically, Yorkville is bordered by Bloor Street in the south and Davenport Road in the north. Yonge Street is the eastern border and the western border is Avenue Road. However, many now consider the regions just north of Davenport and just south of Bloor to be part of the Yorkville neighbourhood as well. Crime in Yorkville, Toronto is generally average for the city. Crimes against people are relatively low and crimes against property are similar to other downtown Toronto neighbourhoods. There is an average of 3.43 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the Yorkville neighbourhood. There is an average of 22.03 crimes against property per 1000. Like all neighbourhoods in Toronto, crime is a reality. While the Toronto crime rate and Yorkville crime rate are quite low when compared to other large North American cities, it is important to note that crime does happen. The best way to ensure that you do not become a victim of crime is to be aware of the possibilities and to prepare to protect yourself, your family and your property. Crime in Yorkville is often centered around the area’s well-known shopping district. In April 2011, store windows at a local art gallery were smashed and several pieces of art were stolen. The estimated value of the paintings was $73,000. However, footage from a store surveillance camera helped police identify the suspects involved in the Yorkville robbery. One was quickly taken into custody while the second was arrested several weeks later. The crime and subsequent arrests are once again proof that surveillance camera footage is key when identifying and capturing criminals. Security cameras provide crucial evidence to police officers and aid greatly in criminal investigations. Businesses that have security cameras installed find that not only does the video footage help if a break-in does occur, but that in many cases the mere presence of a surveillance camera acts a crime deterrent. Another Yorkville store was robbed in 2009 and security camera footage once again came into play. Three men and one woman entered a Yorkville jewelry store where disguises and armed with guns. They demanded that the store staff and all customers get on the ground. They then smashed several jewelry cases and stole a variety of different items. They robbed some store patrons as well. The crime was captured on the store’s security camera. The suspects were arrested and charged in the robbery a few months later. However, unfortunately crime in Yorkville sometimes turns deadly. In August 2009, a 25-year-old man was shot and killed outside of a Yorkville hotel. Another 22-year-old was also shot and taken to hospital with injuries. A single shooter fled the seen on foot. Police seized security camera footage following the murder in order to analyze it for details. In many crimes, surveillance camera footage is requested by police officers right away. They understand the important of video footage and recognize how crucial security cameras are to preventing crimes and prosecuting criminals.

York Mills is a Toronto neighbourhood located in the former City of North York. As the name suggests, the neighbourhood is located along York Mills Road. The northern boundary is Highway 401. The western boundary is Yonge Street and the eastern boundary is Leslie Street. The southern boundary is York Mills Road, Country Lane and branches of the Don River.

York Mills Crime Statistics

In the area bordered by Yonge Street in the west, Highway 401 in the north, York Mills Road in the south and Upper Highland Crescent and Lord Seaton Road in the east, there is an average of 2.98 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area. There is an average of 16.12 crimes against property per 1000. East of that area to Bayview Avenue there is an average of 3.37 crimes against people and 13.49 crimes against property. East of Bayview to Leslie, from the 401 south to Berkindale Dr, Heathcote Avenue, Beaverhall Drive and Bannalyne Drive, there is an average of 2.13 crimes against people and 8.83 crimes against property per 1000 living and working in the region. South to York Mills Road, there is an average of 2.74 crimes against people and 8.83 crimes against property. In the area south of York Mills between Yonge and Bayview, there is an average of 2.16 crimes against people and 19.89 crimes against property. East of York Mills to the river, there is an average of 1.92 crimes against people and 9.59 crimes against property.

York Mills Crime

In December 2004 an 18-year-old was stabbed and killed in his home at Bayview and York Mills. From CityNews:

Sixteen-year-old Cameron Hopkins was holding a party in his parents’ Bayview and York Mills home when some uninvited guests tried to crash the fun. When Tanner attempted to keep the would-be intruders at bay, one of the strangers pulled a knife and stabbed the 18-year-old in the chest. The wounds proved fatal.

This tragic incident shows how dangerous home invasions can be. It is important that you never let strangers into your home. A house party can be a chaotic time and people can attempt to get into your home without your permission. Strong door locks, peep holes, security cameras and alarm systems are all critical tools that you can use to protect your property and keep strangers out. If you are having a large event, you may wish to hire a security guard. Please visit our security guard section for more information. In November 2009 a man was mugged near York Mills and Yonge Street. From MyTownCrier.ca:

A man managed to scare off two muggers near York Mills Road and Yonge Street on Nov. 30. Police say a 20-year-old man was in the area at 7:40 p.m. when two men approached and demanded his belongings. After the man complied, one mugger reportedly pushed him with the handgun, and went through his pant pockets. When the man began to shout, the suspects took off. The man was unharmed.

In November 2010 a man attempted to sexually assault a 15-year-old girl near Yonge and York Mills. From the Toronto Star:

Police are looking for a man who tried to sexually assault a 15-year-old girl on a treed path near Yonge St. and York Mills Rd. Friday afternoon. Police say a man approached the 15-year-old girl from behind on a path that connects Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School and the York Mills subway station. The man shoved the girl to the ground and attempted to sexually assault her, police said. The teenager fought hard to free herself and ran to the school, where she told a teacher. The high school went into lockdown for about an hour, according to police. The man fled toward Yonge St. after the incident.

Security and safety are incredibly important issues. If you would like to speak with a loss prevention specialist to learn how you can keep your property and your family safe, please contact us today.

The Yonge & St. Clair neighbourhood is also known as Deer Park. As the name suggests, this Toronto neighbourhood is centered around the intersection of Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue. The neighbourhood’s boundaries are Avenue Road in the west, Mount Pleasant Road in the east, Farnham Avenue and Jackes Avenue in the south and Belt Line Trail and Glen Elm Avenue in the north. Crime against people in the neighbourhood is quite low and there is an average amount of crime against property in the area. In the area bordered by St. Clair Avenue, Yonge Street, Avenue Road and Farnham Avenue, there is an average of 1.14 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area. There is an average of 11.58 crimes against property. North of St. Clair to Belt Line Trail and Frobisher Drive, between Yonge Street and Avenue Road/Oriole Parkway, there is an average of 2.81 crimes against people and 7.99 crimes against property. In the area west of St. Clair to David A. Balfour Park, Between Glen Elm Avenue and Jackes Avenue, there is an average of 2.81 crimes against people and 15.88 crimes against property. East of David A. Balfour Park to Mount Pleasant Road, there is an average of 0 crimes against people and 12.01 crimes against property. In July 2008, a man was stabbed to death in the Yonge and St. Clair area. From the CBC News:

Toronto homicide detectives are seeking two suspects after a man was stabbed to death near Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue on Monday night. It is the 30th homicide in the city this year. A witness told police that two men wearing hooded sweatshirts kicked in an apartment door and stabbed the victim. The attack happened in a highrise apartment on Delisle Avenue just before 11 p.m. ET. The victim was 64 years old.

In June 2010, two suspects robbed a grocery store in the St. Clair and Mount Pleasant area. When police arrived the two suspects fired shots and drove away. From 680 News:

Police said the suspects robbed a grocery store in the Dufferin Street and Eglinton Avenue West area before driving up to Yonge and St. Clair where they were confronted by police. The suspects took off on foot and officers reported hearing sounds of gunshots, although no officers were wounded. Police confirmed one shot was fired, but were unable to say who fired it or who the target was.

Unfortunately criminals are often unpredictable and therefore  you can rarely anticipate when you may become a victim of a crime. However, if you are vigilant and observe your surroundings at all times, you can avoid becoming a part of a potentially dangerous situation. If you feel that something is wrong, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the area as soon as you can do so safely. You can also take several security precautions in order to protect yourself. In the first example of the murder that started with a door being kicked down, having a security system and a stronger door may have saved the day. Door’s should always be dead bolted and you should ensure that the hinges and frames are all strong and secure. If there are any security flaws with your door, you should repair or replace the door as soon as possible. This goes for all entry points to your home, including your windows. For more information on how you can keep your home safe, or for a free risk assessment, please contact our team of security professionals today.

As you would assume, the Toronto neighbourhood known as “Yonge & Eglinton” is centered around the intersection of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue. It is also known as “Uptown Toronto” or by the nickname of “Yonge & Eg.” According to the official City of Toronto profile, the neighbourhood’s boundaries are Yonge Street in the east, Avenue Road and Elmsthorpe Avenue in the west, Briar Hill Avenue in the north and Frobisher Avenue in the south. About 65% of the area’s population is working age (between 25-64 years of age.) Many young professionals and young families live in the neighbourhood. There are many high-rise condominiums in the area as well as commercial properties and some single family homes as well. Unfortunately, like all neighbourhoods in major cities, there is crime in Yonge & Eglinton. In the area bordered by Yonge Street, Avenue Road, Briar Hill Avenue and Eglinton Avenue, there is an average of 5.42 crimes against people per 1,000 and 18.98 crimes against property. South of that area to Frobisher Avenue, there is an average of 3.54 crimes against people and 9.77 crimes against property. The property crime rates for Yonge & Eglinton are relatively average for Toronto while the rate of crime against people is quite low. In December of 2010, passenger in a vehicle was stabbed by the driver at Yonge & Eglinton. From the Toronto Star:

Suddenly, witnesses on the street and inside the coffee shop saw a woman in the passenger seat of a minivan being stabbed in the back and face by the driver. Acting quickly, a man and his girlfriend rushed to the passenger side, pulling the bleeding woman out to safety, while several others joined to carry her to the sidewalk and lay her down, leaving behind a pool of blood on the road.

In April of 2011, a woman was grabbed and sexually assaulted in the same area. From CityNews:

Police are searching for a suspect after a woman was attacked in the Yonge and Eglinton area last week. A man approached a woman from behind around 3 a.m. Wednesday and tried to engage her in conversation, police said. The suspect followed the woman and then sexually assaulted her in an outside corridor.

Another woman was sexually assaulted in the area in April of 2009. The Toronto Star reports:

Toronto police say the 26-year-old victim had been walking near Yonge St. and Glebe Rd. – a few blocks south of Eglinton Ave. – at around 1 a.m. on Saturday when two men grabbed her from behind and forced her into a vehicle. After being driven to another location, she was sexually assaulted, said police.

These shocking crimes taking place in a relatively busy, highly-populated and generally safe area show that security and safety can never be overlooked or taken for granted. It is important for people to think about security at all times and to be aware of their surroundings. For information on how you can protect yourself, your property and your family better, please contact one of SafeTech’s loss prevention experts. We’ve been protecting people and property for over 20 years and will be glad to help.

SafeTech continues our series of crime reports with our Willowdale Crime Report. Willowdale is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the North York district of Toronto. The neighbourhood stretches from Bathurst St. in the west to Bayview Ave. in the east. It extends to just north of Finch Ave. and goes as far south as Highway 401. Willowdale is split into two areas: Willowdale East and Willowdale West. The dividing line is Yonge Street. Both regions have similar crime rates. While they have an average amount of crime against people, crimes against property are very high in Willowdale.

Willowdale Crime Report Statistics

In 2006 Willowdale West faced an average of 3.17 crimes against people per 1000, but it faced 9.58 crimes against property. The statistics for Willowdale East were similar. There were 3.72 crimes against people and 10.31 crimes against property. As there are a number of relatively large single family homes in the region, breaking and entering is unfortunately quite common. Here are some statistics as a part of our Willowdale Crime Report. In February 2011, a basement apart in the area was broken into by force by three male suspects. The three men tied up the 22-year-old who was living in the basement and threatened the home owner who lives on the ground floor of the home with a handgun. The owner was also tied up by the three suspects. The victims did not sustain any serious injuries and it is unknown if they took any items from the house. A similar situation took place a month earlier. A man in his 50s was stabbed in a home invasion near Willowdale and Finch. It is unknown if the situation was a random attack or if the home was targeted. Willowdale and Finch was also the scene of a shooting in May 2011. Two men, who were known to each other, got involved in an altercation in the middle of the night and one man ended up shooting the other several times with a handgun. The shooting victim was a 40-year-old male. The shooter later surrendered to police. In situations were homes are broken into or invaded by criminals, a good security system that is complete with security cameras can mean the difference between a criminal escaping unseen or being videotaped and later identified by police. Security cameras are not just crime deterrents, but they also aid the criminal justice system a great deal.

West Hill is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the Scarborough area of the city. It is located in the south-east area of Toronto. The neighbourhood boundaries include Highland Creek in the north, Scarborough Golf Club Road and Highland Creek in the west, Highland Creek in the east and the CNR Railway tracks and Lake Ontario in the south. The neighbourhood features a variety of single-family homes and apartment buildings as well as commercial developments and restaurants. Morningside Avenue, Kingston Road and Lawrence Avenue all pass through West Hill.

West Hill, Toronto Crime Statistics

The area bordered by Lawrence Avenue, Morningside Avenue and Highland Creek has an average of 16.38 crimes against people and 22.86 crimes against property per 1000 people living and working in the region. The area south of Lawrence Avenue, bordered by Highland Creek in the west, Morningside Avenue in the east and Kingston Road and Coronation Drive in the south has an average of 17.57 crimes against people per 1000 and 24.63 crimes against property. South of Coronation Drive and Kingston Road to the train tracks, to Manse Road in the east, has an average of 10.91 crimes against people and 19.76 crimes against property. The area bordered by Manse Road, Coronation Drive, Morningside Avenue and Lawrence Avenue has an average of 14.41 crimes against people and 17.81 crimes against property. North of Lawrence Avenue to Highland Creek, between Morningside and Manse, there is an average of 16.38 crimes against people and 22.86 crimes against property. East of Manse Road, in the region bordered by Highland Creek and Lake Ontario, there is an average of 7.05 crimes against people per 1000 and 16.17 crimes against property.

West Hill Crime & Security

In December 2011 a woman was shot inside a home in the Lawrence Avenue and Meadowvale Area. From CityTV:

A woman was shot inside a home in the Lawrence and Meadowvale area Thursday morning during what police claim was a drug deal gone bad. The incident happened around 7:30 a.m. at 15 Morning Dew Rd. The 38-year-old woman was shot in the leg during what police allege was a dispute over a crack cocaine deal. She is expected to recover.

In November 2011 a man was shot in the West Hill neighbourhood. From CityTV as well:

A man is in hospital after he was stabbed early Sunday morning in Scarborough. It happened around 3:30 a.m. near Lawrence and Morningside avenues. The victim was taken to hospital with a stab wound to the upper body. Officers say he will survive. It’s not clear what led to the stabbing, and police have not arrested any suspects.

In October 2011 a man was charged with sexually assaulting a young girl in the Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue area. From the Toronto Star:

Police have charged a Toronto man with allegedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. The accused faces three charges: sexual assault, sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching. Police believe there may be more victims.

A man was stabbed during a fight near Morningside Avenue and Kingston Road in May 2011. From CP24:

A 17-year-old male is in a Toronto hospital after he was stabbed during a fight Thursday night. Officers found the teen suffering from stab wounds when they responded to a home near Morningside Avenue and Kingston Road in Toronto’s east end. The teen was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. It’s not yet known if anyone has been charged.

Two teenage boys were stabbed by another student at Maplewood High School in April 2011. From the Toronto Star:

A quick-thinking teacher helped apprehend a suspect on Thursday morning after two teenage boys were stabbed at their Scarborough high school. The attack happened around 8:45 a.m. at Maplewood High School, a special-needs school on Galloway Rd. near Lawrence Ave. E. and Kingston Rd. The male assailant, who remains in custody, attacked four male students, said principal Mary Helen Hartman-Hayes, as she stood outside the school. All five students knew one another, she said, although she didn’t know what prompted the incident. A male teacher stopped the suspect by putting his arms around the student and holding him.

A man was stabbed at a West Hill bar in March 2011. From CityTV:

A man is in serious condition after he was stabbed at a bar in the east end Wednesday night. The incident happened around midnight inside a tavern near Kingston Road and Morningside. Someone driving a silver or grey Mazda dropped the victim off at hospital and then took off.

The Upper Beaches area is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the east end of the city. As its name suggests, it is located north of the Beaches/Beach area of the city. The neighbhourhood is also known as “East End Danforth” or simply “Upper Beach.” The area’s boundaries are Coxwell Avenue in the west, Victoria Park Avenue in the east, Kingston Road in the south and while the northern boundary is generally considered to be the CN tracks between Gerrard Street and Danforth Avenue. In the area north of Kingston Road, between Victoria Park Avenue and Main Street, there is an average of 7.33 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area. There is an average of 32.73 crimes against property per 1000. Between Woodbine Avenue and Main Street, still north of Kingston Road, there is an average of 10.49 crimes against people and 21.89 crimes against property. Between Woodbine and Coxwell Avenue, but south of Gerrard Street, there is an average of 12.11 crimes against people and 24.87 crimes against property per 1000. In that same area but north of Gerrard, there is an average of 8.46 crimes against people and 33.13 crimes against property. These statistics show the unfortunate truth: that crime occurs in the Upper Beaches just as it does in every neighbourhood in every major city. In June 2010, an argument in a restaurant in the Upper Beaches ended with a stabbing and an assault charge. From the Toronto Sun:

A Toronto man has been charged with aggravated assault after an argument errupted on an outdoor patio restaurant in the Upper Beach area. Toronto Police were called Tuesday at 8:35 p.m. to a restaurant near Kingston Rd. and Balsam Ave. It is alleged that a man got into an argument with the other two men and pulled out a knife and stabbed them, before running off.

The man was later arrested and charged. It is important to recognize that crime can take place at any time in any location. The example above shows how situations can escalate from a disagreement into violence quite quickly. This is why it is always important to be aware of those around you and their actions at all times. You could be in a safe situation one minute and then have that situation turn into an incredibly dangerous one in the next minute. If you are concerned with security and would like to speak with one of our loss prevention experts about safety, security and protecting yourself, please contact us today. We’ve been protecting people and property for over 20 years and we understand what it takes to keep you safe. We will be more than happy to conduct a free risk assessment on your property as well as provide you with valuable information on alarm systems, surveillance cameras, security guards and much more.

Trinity-Bellwoods, Toronto (also known as Portugal Village) is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the west end of downtown Toronto. The neighbourhood is bordered by several major Toronto streets. The northern border is Dundas Street and the southern border is Queen Street West. The neighbourhood of Trinity-Bellwoods runs between Ossington Avenue in the west and Bathurst Street in the east. The area is named for nearby Trinity-Bellwoods Park, which is located south of Dundas, between Gore Vale Avenue and Crawford Street. The park stretches all the way to Queen Street West. It is a very popular park within the city and it is often quite busy. As it is a downtown Toronto neighbourhood, there is crime present in Trinity-Bellwoods. Both crimes against people and crimes against property are somewhat common. Between Bathurst Street and Gore Vale Avenue, there is an average of 6.41 crimes against people per 1,000 people living and work in the area. There is an average of 24.5 crimes against property per 1,000. West of Gore Vale Avenue until Ossington Avenue, there is an average of 6.02 crimes against people and 24.09 crimes against property per 1,000 people living and working in the neighbourhood. In 2008, the owner of a local bicycle story was charged with directing another man to steal several bikes from Trinity-Bellwood Park. The store owner runs a bicycle shop on Queen Street West and was charged with one count of theft and one count of attempted theft by police. Several bikes are reported stolen from Trinty Bellwoods Park each year. When you are locking up your bicycle, it is important to use a secure lock or two and to lock the bike against a proper bicycle stand, rather than a tree, pole or other similar structure. You should only lock your bike in an area where it will be visible to many people as this can dissuade thieves. At home, be sure to leave your bicycle inside a locked garage or in your home rather than outside. Bicycle theft in Toronto is very common and being careful with your bike is incredibly important. In addition to bike theft, other crimes take place in the park as well. In 2009, two teens were arrested in connection with a series of robberies in the neighbourhood. The two young men reportedly robbed several passersby of their valuables within Trinity Bellwoods Park. They were armed with a weapon. They were charged with several counts of robbery and weapons offences. Unfortunately, crime in Trinity Bellwoods Park can sometimes become quite serious. In 2007 a man was stabbed and killed in the park. The murder was the result of an argument between the victim and a group of panhandlers that turned deadly. This situation highlights the fact that what sometimes seems like a simple squabble at first can quickly escalate. It is important to remain respectful of those around you at all times as there is no way for you to know the capabilities or mental state of anyone you are dealing with. As always, if a situation seems dangerous or risky, leave the area as soon as possible to avoid danger. There is no sense in remaining in a potentially harmful scenario for any longer than needed.

Harbourfront is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located along the shore of Lake Ontario in downtown Toronto. Roughly the boundaries of this neighbourhood are south of Lake Shore Boulevard to the lake, between Yonge Street and Bathurst Street, though some consider the neighbourhood to be larger. The Toronto Harbourfront neighbourhood consists primarily of tall residential condominiums and various commercial areas. Like all Toronto neighbourhoods, there is crime in Harbourfront. There are 3.7 crimes per 1,000 people living and working in the area. That rate is quite low when compared to the rest of the City of Toronto. There are 17.44 crimes against property per 1,000, which is relatively average for the city. Many people feel that, since the area is filled primarily with condominiums, security services such as alarm systems and video surveillance cameras are not necessary. Unfortunately, crime can take place in a large, multi-story building just as it can in a single-family residence. So it is important to protect yourself. Staying safe in a condominium requires having the right security tools at your disposal. Even if your building has a concierge at the front desk or a phone system for controlling who can enter the building, people can still sneak into the property without being noticed. Video surveillance cameras and security guards in all public areas can certainly help this situation. It is also important to protect yourself inside your condominium unit. Having a security system installed in your condo will offer a great deal of protection for you and your family. In Toronto’s Harbourfront neighbourhood, there have been some bizarre crimes recently. In 2010, human remains were found inside a barrel in Lake Ontario near Queens Quay. From CTV:

Toronto police say that human remains encased in concrete have been discovered in Lake Ontario. The concrete and the body are inside a barrel. Police arrived on the scene at around noon, and shortly afterward, the marine unit pulled a rusty barrel out of the water. Officers say that mud and concrete are inside the steel drum, along with the remains of an unidentified person. Police told reporters at the scene that it is obviously a homicide. It isn’t clear, however, how long the barrel was submerged.

In August of 2011, a car riddled with bullets was found abandoned on Lake Shore Boulevard. Police found blood and bullets in the car, but initially no victim. The driver later returned to the scene with serious but non-life threatening injuries. From CBC:

A major portion of Lakeshore Boulevard West has reopened, after a bullet-riddled car with blood-spattered seats was found by the road Tuesday. Both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the busy highway were closed from Ontario Street to Parkside Drive in the morning as investigators surveyed the scene. Thousands of rush-hour commuters were forced to take a detour. The stretch of road reopened around 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Police found shell casings on the ground near the black Lexus sedan and also located the driver.

These instances serve to further highlight that crime can take place almost anywhere. Crime is unpredictable and there is no way to know when or where it will occur. While this fact is unfortunate and even sometimes frightening, you can protect yourself by being aware and alert at all times and by installing professional security equipment in your home and business.

The Toronto Entertainment District is a downtown Toronto neighbourhood. It is concentrated around King Street West, primarily between University Avenue and Spadina Avenue. The northern boundary is generally considered to be Queen Street West and the southern boundary is the Gardiner Expressway. The Toronto Entertainment District is primarily known for its restaurants, bars, clubs and theatres, but recently many large condominiums have been built in the neighbourhood. This has brought many new residents into the area. The number of clubs have generally decreased in recent years as the neighbourhood has become more mixed. In the area between Simcoe Street and Bathurst Street and between Queen Street and Front Street, there is an average of 9.45 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area. There is an average of 24.92 crimes against property per 1000. South of Front Street between York Street and Bathurst Street, stretching south to Lake Ontario, there is an average of 3.7 crimes against people per 1000 and 17.44 crimes against property. While this area stretches further west than the Entertainment District, it is a good indicator for crime in the area. Remember, criminals do not stop at certain streets. Crime does not stop because it enters a new neighbourhood. In October 2007, an innocent bystander was injured when he was struck by a stray bullet in the Entertainment District. From Canoe.ca:

Toronto Police were initially called to the Richmond-Peter Sts. area around 3 a.m. for the report of gunshots. They arrived to find one man wounded on the street and hundreds of people running for cover. Karpow said numerous vehicles and businesses, plus one residence, were hit by bullets. A silver car on Adelaide St. was found with a bullet hole in the roof and its back window shot out.

In October 2010 a woman was sexually assaulted in the Entertainment District. According to a Toronto Star report, a 20-year-old woman was “dragged into a laneway around 3 a.m. near Adelaide St. W. and Spadina Ave., assaulted and robbed.” In March of 2010, two men were hospitalized after being stabbed during a fight in the Entertainment District. From CityTV Toronto:

A fight in the city’s entertainment district sent two people to hospital with stab wounds early Saturday morning. The scuffle between two groups broke out at John and Mercer Streets outside the Rockwood Nightclub. Two men were stabbed; one suffered two stab wounds to the chest. The experienced other minor wounds to his arms. Both were taken to local hospitals and are in stable condition.

More recently, in October 2011, three people were stabbed in the Entertainment District around 3am. They were outside of a nightclub at Richmond Street near John Street. A study conducted by the University of Toronto, St. Michael’s Hospital and Ryerson University in 2010 found that “most assault-related calls for ambulances between midnight and 4 a.m. came from the Entertainment District, an area that has had problems with shootings, assaults and drugs,” according to the Toronto Star. Toronto Police have attempted to deter crime in the area by installing security cameras. A statement on the Toronto Police Service website said that “cameras are used strategically to disrupt dangerous and disorderly behaviour.” Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair stated that “we’ve seen a real change in behaviour in the Entertainment District, not just because of cameras… but cameras are one of the tools.” Security cameras are certainly an excellent tool for preventing and deterring crime as well as for catching criminals in the act. For more information on security cameras, visit SafeTech Alarms Security Camera Information Page or contact one of our loss prevent experts today. We can help you strategically place security cameras in order to help you protect your property.

Thorncliff Park is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the former borough of East York. Thorncliff Park is one of the most densely populated areas of the city. The boundaries of the neighbourhood are somewhat debatable as different people and organizations recognize different Thorncliff Park boundaries. A common set of boundaries includes the Don River in the east, Millwood Road in the west, Wicksteed Avenue and Research Road in the north and the railway tracks between Millwood and Wicksteed in the northeast. However some consider the area north of the railway tracks, to Eglinton Avenue and Laird Avenue, to be included in the Thorncliff Park neighbourhood. When analyzing crime statistics, it is important to understand that criminals do not stop at predefined boundaries. While it is very useful to look at the statistics for a certain area, it is also important to investigate the crime statistics of the neighbouring regions as well. Crime often crosses between neigbourhoods. Due to this, it is vital to note what the crime statistics are north of the railway tracks, whether or not you consider this area to be a part of Thorncliff Park. In the area north of Overlea Boulevard, west of the Don River and stretching until Eglinton in the north and Laird in the west, there is an average of 3.23 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 14.16 crimes against property. The area in the southeast of the neighbourhood that is surrounded by the Don River, Thorncliff Park Drive and Overlea Boulevard has an average of 7.03 crimes against people and 10.16 crimes against property. Just to the west of that region, in the area surrounded by Thorncliff Park Drive and Overlea Boulevard, there is an average of 9.63 crimes against people and 54.14 crimes against property. This is one of the Toronto areas with the most property crime. West of that region, in the area bordered by Thorncliff Park Dr., Overlea Blvd. and Millwood Road, there is an average of 3.23 crimes against people and 14.16 crimes against property. In August 2007, a man was stabbed to death outside of an apartment near Thorncliff Park Drive and Overlea Boulevard. From the Toronto Star:

Police are on the hunt for one suspect after a 35-year-old man was stabbed outside an east end apartment building this morning. Blue paramedic gloves remained in the cordoned off parking lot at the end of Milepost Pl., near Thorncliffe Park Dr. and Overlea Blvd., this afternoon, where an area resident was found dead around 7:30 a.m. Police have yet to find a weapon or release a suspect description. Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was involved in “some kind of altercation” with someone he knew before he was stabbed.

In May 2007 a 17-year-old boy was was beaten and shot near a school in Thorncliff Park. From MyTownCrier.ca:

The incident began in the rear of Thorncliffe Park Junior School about 7:30 p.m. where the victim and a group of males had convened. Police say the encounter turned violent when the group began to pepper-spray and physically attack the victim. When he fought back, one man allegedly shot at him twice at close range. The wounded victim took off on foot toward a nearby store, while three boys in the group chased him. They caught up to him and continued their assault, fleeing only when store employees intervened. The victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

In July 2011, three men were attacked outside a local shopping mall. From CTV:

Police said two 19-year-old males and an 18-year-old male were leaving the East York Town Centre, near Thorncliffe Park and Overlea Blvd., at around 8:30 p.m. when they were approached by a group of men. One victim was shot in the leg, while another was stabbed in the stomach and chest. The third victim was stabbed near the eye. The victim who was shot was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The two other victims were also treated in hospital.

In August 2011, two teenagers were arrested in Thorncliff Park on firearm and drug charges. From the Toronto Sun:

Police took two loaded handguns off the streets after cops arrested a couple of teenagers who were selling drugs on Thorncliffe Park Dr., Toronto Police said Thursday. Officers with 53 Division’s major crime unit spotted a drug deal go down around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Const. Tony Vella said. Two teens fled as the cops approached but were arrested after a short chase. During the search, officers found a loaded 9-mm handgun, cocaine, marijuana and some cash.

The Kingsway is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the former City of Etobicoke. It is also known as “Kingsway South” but that name is usually only used for official planning purposes. The Kingsway is a far more common name for the area among residents and the people of Toronto. The area is located in the west end of Toronto. The Kingsway boundaries are Bloor Street in the south, Dundas Street in the north, Mimico Creek in the west and the Humber River in the east.  Royal York Road runs through the center of the neighbourhood.

The Kingsway Crime Rates & Crime Statistics

In the area bordered by Dundas Street, Royal York Road, Bloor Street and Mimico Creek, there is an average of 3.59 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the region. There is an average of 16.77 crimes against property per 1000 in this area. The region bordered by Royal York Road, Bloor Street and The Kingsway, there is an average of 7.34 crimes against people and 21.3 crimes against property. In the area bordered by The Kingsway, Dundas Street, the Humber River and Bloor Street, there is an average of 2.25 crimes against people per 1000 and an average of 15.54 crimes against property.

The Kingsway Crime

In June 2009 a woman was sexually assaulted near Royal York and Dundas. From City TV:

Police are searching for a man accused of sexual assault after a woman was attacked on Sunday. The alleged altercation happened around 8pm near Royal York Rd. and Dundas St. Officers say the suspect approached the woman from behind, grabbed her, and assaulted her. She screamed and struggled and finally broke free.

In January 2011 a bank teller bank robbery took place near Bloor Street and Grenview Boulevard. From MyTownCrier.ca:

Police say a man wearing a disguise entered the bank at 2930 Bloor St. West around 3:40 p.m. The man reportedly threatened the teller and demanded cash. When the teller complied, the perpetrator fled westbound on Bloor Street West. The teller was unharmed.

Another robbery took place in July 2011 at a bank near Royal York and Bloor. In this situation a man was attacked at an ATM machine. From the Toronto Sun:

The teens, one described as being black and his accomplice white, stormed into the lobby of the Royal Bank branch on Bloor St. in The Kingsway, a block east of Royal York Rd., around 12:20 a.m. Wednesday. The teen with the knife then swung the weapon at him a couple of times while demanding money. The envelope with the cash fell to the floor and then the bandits demanded more from his account. But the machine twice denied Sterpin from taking out any money because he didn’t have enough in his account. But the man with the knife turned his attention to a gold chain Sterpin was wearing but he pleaded with them not to take the family heirloom. The knifeman — who did all the talking — acquiesced, telling him to stand in the corner before they fled.

For more information on security and crime statistics, please contact us. SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting people and property for over 20 years. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to keep you, your property and your loved ones safe.

The Junction is a Toronto neighbourhood that was formerly an independent city known as West Toronto. The neighbourhood’s main street is Dundas Street West and the major intersection in the Junction is Dundas and Keele Street. The Junction’s northern boundary is St. Clair Avenue and it’s southern boundary is High Park. It stretches as far west as Runnymede Road and as east to just past Keele Street in some places. The Junction is home to a great deal of recent development, both commercial and residential, as well as many older buildings. As with all Toronto neighbourhoods, and neighbourhoods in any large city, the Junction has its share of crime. In the area south of St. Clair and north of the railway tracks, between Runnymede Road and Keele Street, there is an average of 6.6 crimes against people per 1,000 people living and working in the area. However, there is an average of 36.32 crimes against people per 1,000. South of the railway lines to Annette Street, between Runnymede Road and Quebec Street, there is an average of 5.78 crimes against people and 21.19 crimes against property. West of Quebec Street, there is an average of 10.62 crimes against people and 24.31 crimes against property. Unfortunately, crime strikes all Toronto neighbourhoods and the Junction is no different. In December 2009, a man was shot and killed in the area of Dundas Street West and Gilmour Avenue near Runnymede Road in the Junction. Witnesses say that two men were involved in the murder and that they were seen fleeing the area shortly afterwards. The murder took place at around 10pm. The victim was a 29-year-old man who likely had no connection to the assailants. He was ambushed and shot outside of a local restaurant. Some speculated that he was killed for standing up to local criminals in the past. He had been called an ‘anti-gang activist.” Police stressed that the Junction is “known for being a safe neighbourhood” and urged anyone who saw the crime take place to come forward and speak to police. They also mentioned that the murder was recorded on as many as five security cameras in the area. The footage was analyzed immediately. A few weeks after the murder, three arrests were made in connection with the killing. Having security footage available is incredibly beneficial for police. While witnesses may not wish to come forward to report a crime, either out of fear or for other reasons, video evidence does not lie. Eyewitness testimony can sometimes be suspect, but the same does not hold true for video. Upon arriving at he scene of a crime, one of the first things that the authorities often ask for is if there is any video surveillance footage. Installing security cameras inside and outside your home or business can greatly increase the chances that a criminal will be caught in the act. This holds true for any type of crime, from murder to assault to robbery and everything in between. There is no substitution for security cameras. They are an invaluable tool when it comes to identifying and prosecuting criminals. They also act as a powerful deterrent against crime.

The Danforth, also known as Greektown and Greektown on the Danforth. Is a Toronto neighbourhood. As the name suggests, it is centered around Danforth Avenue in Toronto. The definition of the actual area varies, but the neighbourhood is generally focused around Danforth Avenue from Broadview Avenue to Coxwell Avenue. The Danforth neighbourhood BIA considers a smaller area, between Chester Avenue and Dewhurst Boulevard, as “Greektown on the Danforth.” The area is home to a large number of restaurants as well as a variety of different stores. There are also a number of single-family residences in the neighbourhood. There are a number of different regions within the Danforth neighbourhood and each of those regions has different crime statistics. Some of these regions stretch slightly outside of the traditional Danforth boundaries. However, it is important to remember that criminals do not stop at certain streets. Crime can easily cross one from neighbourhood to another. In the area north of Danforth Avenue, between the Don Valley Parkway and Pape Avenue, there is an average of 6.86 crimes against people and 23.97 crimes against property per 1000 people living and working in the area. South of Danforth between the DVP and Hampton Avenue, there is an average of 7.77 crimes against people and 38.91 crimes against property per 1000. Between Hampton Avenue and Pape Avenue there is an average of 10.9 crimes against people and 48.24 crimes against property. This area of the Danforth is one of the Toronto neighbourhoods with the most property crime. North of Danforth between Pape Avenue and Greenwood Avenue, there is an average of 15.62 crimes against people and 35.42 crimes against property per 1000. South of Danforth Avenue between Pape and Jones Avenue there is an average of 12.27 crimes against people and 41.48 crimes against property. Between Jones and Greenwood there is an average of 14.97 crimes against people and 40.79 crimes against property. North of Danforth Avenue between Greenwood and Coxwell Avenue there is an average of 14.71 crimes against people and 33.92 crimes against property per 1000. South of Danforth, also between Greenwood and Coxwell, there is an average of 12.75 crimes against people and 21.58 crimes against property. In April 2007 a man was stabbed and killed inside a Danforth restaurant where he was celebratinga  friend’s birthday. The attack was believed to be random. From CP24:

A man has died from stab wounds he received while celebrating a friend’s birthday at a restaurant on Toronto’s Greektown strip. Jordan Ormonde, 24, was stabbed in the neck Saturday night while inside the Kokkino restaurant and bar. Police investigators believe the attack was a random assault. Officers are now looking for a man who introduced himself as “Benny” to others in the restaurant. Police are also searching for two other suspects and say they need help identifying them. Many of the people who were in the restaurant have already spoken with police but detectives are looking for others who fled the scene.

The alleged attacker was arrested in July 2007 in New York City. In January 2009 a man was shot in the head during a robbery attempt in the area. Another man was shot in the leg during the same attack. From the Toronto Star:

Related Map of GTA homicides Local crime maps Crime Stoppers Investigators suspect a botched street robbery may have been behind a double shooting on the Danforth, three hours into the new year. One man in his early 20s is in critical condition after being shot in the head. The victim was on life support at St. Michael’s Hospital last night, surrounded by his family. A second man, shot in the leg, remains in “satisfactory” condition, said Staff Sgt. Michael Cannon. Gunfire broke out about 3:30 a.m. at the corner of Danforth and Donlands Aves. police say. Neighbouring streets were mostly empty, witnesses recalled, with most New Year’s revellers already home.

Later that year, in November 2009, a man was shot and killed in front of a house near Danforth and Pape. From the Toronto Sun:

There was bloodshed in Greektown last night after a 27-year-old man was shot dead in front of a house just north of Danforth Ave. Police arrived at 97 Gough Ave. just west of Pape Ave. shortly before 8 p.m. where they found Theodoros Tiku dying of mutliple gunshot wounds. “We have no suspects at this time,” Staff Sgt. Kelly Dory said. He couldn’t confirm the number of gunshot wounds sustained by the victim, but a nearby restaurant owner said he heard five or six shots.

There was another shooting in the neighbourhood in August 2010. Several shots were fired and a man was hit in the leg during a robbery. From the Toronto Sun:

Bullets were flying on Danforth Ave. early Sunday as a robbery ended with one man suffering a minor wound to the leg. The frightening ordeal began just after 11 p.m. Saturday when two bandits robbed a group of men outside a 7-11 at Danforth Ave. and Donlands Rd., Toronto Police say. And then later, around 1:30 a.m., there was another encounter between the two groups, only this time gunfire erupted.

In March 2011 a man was stabbed in the face during another robbery near Danforth and Greenwood. The victim was confronted by a man while he was walking and a struggle took place. A second man then approached the victim and stabbed him in the face, hand and torso. The two men stole the victim’s bracelet and left the scene in a car. Another robbery led to a stabbing near Danforth and Greenwood in July 2011. A student was stabbed by another teenager in the neck and chest around 10:30 in the morning. The attacker was later arrested and charged.

Another SafeTech crime report, this time it is our The Beaches Crime Report. “The Beaches” (also known as “The Beach”) is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located primarily along Queen Street East. The boundaries of the region are Kingston Road in the north, Coxwell Ave in the west, Victoria Park Avenue in the east and Lake Ontario in the south. The area is known for the commercial district along Queen Street, the beautiful single-family homes in the area and, of course, the beach.

Statistics: The Beaches Crime Report

The amount of crime against people and crime against property in the Beach is average in comparison to the rest of the City of Toronto. For the area of the Beaches that is south of Queen Street, there is an average of 7.8 crimes against people per 1,000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 20.64 crimes against property. North of Queen, there is an average of 7.44 crimes against people and 23.68 crimes against property.

Case Studies: The Beaches Crime Report

One of the most famous recent crime incidents was actually a series of more than 40 burglaries that took place over a month in late 2008. Between late October and early December 2008, almost 50 homes were broken into by a single burglar. The burglar stole small valuables from each home such as personal electronics like cell phone, music players and laptop computers. The criminal even took food and drinks from the refrigerators of his victims. All of the related burglaries happened in the early morning when most residents were still asleep. The crime spree led to a police manhunt in the area. Officers stated that insufficient security made the break-ins rather easy. “These are very expensive homes with very cheap locks,” said Inspector Peter Yuen. “What we want people to do is make sure their house is secure and make it as unattractive as possible for a bandit to get into your house. Lock your door, make sure your windows are closed, keep a light on over your porch.” Those tips should be followed by everyone in order to avoid burglaries. Doors should always be locked with strong dead bolts and windows should be protected with bars. Motion-activated lighting over all entryways and elsewhere on your property is incredibly effective as well. Of course, you should always make sure to set your home alarm system. This is an important fact to learn from The Beaches Crime Report. Robberies in the Beaches have not been limited to residential properties either. In April 2010, a restaurant owner had his teeth knocked out during a robbery. Two unknown assailants attacked the man outside his restaurant at night. They threw him against his car, hit him in the mouth with an object and stole the day’s receipts and cash from the owner. It is incredibly important to always be aware of your surroundings, especially when carrying cash or valuables. Equipping the inside and outside of your business (or residence) with security cameras is also a great idea. Not only does this make it much more difficult for criminal to escape without being seen, but cameras often act as a deterrent to crime. Trusting cameras and security tools will reduce the likelihood of your becoming a statistic in our The Beaches Crime Report.

Tam O’Shanter-Sullivan is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the former Scarborough region of the city. It is actually made up of two smaller neighbourhoods: Tam O’Shanter and Sullivan. The areas are named after the Tam O’Shanter golf course and O’Sullivan’s Corners (at Victoria Park & Sheppard Avenues.) The Tam O’Shanter-Sullivan neighbourhood boundaries are Huntingwood Drive in the north, Kennedy Road in the east, Victoria Park and Pharmacy Avenue in the west and Highway 401 in the south. The region east of Warden Avenue is the Tam O’Shanter area while the area west of Warden is the Sullivan region.

Tam O’Shanter-Sullivan Crime Statistics

In the area bordered by Kennedy Road, Huntingwood Drive, Sheppard Avenue and Birchmount Road, there is an average of 6.5 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the region. There is an average of 36.89 crimes against property per 1000. South of Sheppard Avenue to the 401, still between Birchmount and Kennedy, there is an average of 4.78 crimes against people and 20.56 crimes against people per 1000. There is an average of 6.59 crimes against people per 1000 in the region bordered by Huntinwood, Sheppard, Birchmount and Warden. The rate of crimes against property is 15.29 per 1000 living and working in the area. South of Sheppard to the 401 in between Birchmount and Warden there is an average of 3.15 crimes against people and 12.35 crimes against property. In the area bordered by Huntingwood, Sheppard, Warden and Pharmacy Avenue, there is an average of 2.69 crimes against people and 10.6 crimes against property. The region bordered by Warden, Sheppard, Highway 401 and Victoria Park Avenue has an average of 4.55 crimes against people and 18.71 crimes against property.

Tam O’Shanter-Sullivan Crime

In 2008, there was a fatal stabbing in the Sheppard and Kennedy area. From CP24:

A young person was fatally stabbed in the parking lot of an apartment complex near Kennedy Road and Sheppard Avenue in Scarborough. Two suspects were seen fleeing the scene at 2250 Kennedy Road about 7.30 p.m. Tuesday. The victim was rushed to hospital with no vital signs and has been pronounced dead.

In 2009, another victim was rushed to hospital after he was stabbed in the midsection. The stabbing also took place in the Kennedy and Sheppard area. From CP24:

Toronto police have identified a 19-year-old man who died in hospital following a mid-day stabbing in the east end on Monday. Annushath Indrakanthan was rushed to hospital after he was found with multiple stab wounds to the stomach and chest near Kennedy Road and Sheppard Avenue.

In August 2011 a man was shot behind an apartment complex in the Sheppard and Warden area. From NewsTalk 1010:

Toronto Police responded to the scene of a shooting behind an apartment complex at 25 Bay Mills Blvd. Monday afternoon. That is in the Sheppard and Warden area. It happened around 4:48 pm. Initial calls that came into 42 Division reported the sound of firecrackers, but officers found an Asian male in his 50s with a gunshot wound to the neck. Toronto EMS tells NewsTalk 1010 he has since died. A gun was reportedly recovered in the area.

That same area was the scene of a stabbing in November 2011. From CTV:

One man is in custody and another recovering in hospital after a man called police claiming he was stabbed in the stomach early Monday morning. Toronto police said they received a call from a man who said he had been stabbed on Bay Mills Boulevard, near Warden Avenue and Sheppard Avenue East, at about 3:30 a.m. Investigators say they arrived at a multi-storey apartment and found the man suffering from a stab wound to the stomach.

Swansea is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located west of High Park. It’s boundaries are Bloor Street in the north, Lake Ontario in the south, High Park in the east and the Humber River in the west. Swansea was once an independent municipality known as the Village of Swansea before being annexed by the City of Toronto in 1967. Swansea is a primarily residential area with a variety of mixed housing types, from single-family homes to semi-detached homes, townhouses, apartment buildings and condominiums. In Swansea, there is an average of 3.4 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the neighbourhood. There is 14.22 crimes against property per 1000. This is relatively average crime rate for a Toronto neighbourhood. As Toronto is a very large city, some crime will always take place. Being aware of your surroundings, understanding what you can do to protect yourself and properly utilizing all forms of crime prevention can protect you from becoming a victim. In September 2010, a man was shot in the foot in the Swansea Mews area, near Windermere Avenue and the Queensway. The 23-year-old victim was approached by two men around at 10:45 pm and shot. From CityNews Toronto:

A late-night shooting on Swansea Mews is now an attempted murder investigation. Toronto Police allege that two men approached the victim around 10:45pm on September 28. The 23-year-old was shot in the foot. He was taken to hospital, treated and released. Several shell casings were found near Windermere Avenue and The Queensway.

In August 2010, another shooting took place in the same Swansea Mews area. A teenage boy was shot in the backside on Swansea Mews. The 15-year-old was taken to hospital with his injuries but recovered. Multiple shots were fired during the crime, but no other victims were hit. From 680 News Toronto:

Toronto police are looking for suspects after a teenage boy was shot in the backside in a west-end townhouse complex, Friday night. The shooting began just before 7:30 p.m. on Swansea Mews, near Windermere Avenue, north of the Queensway.

In July 2009, a shooting and a stabbing took place in the area as well. Toronto Police suggested that there was “a strong belief” that the two crimes were related. From the Toronto Star:

A neighbourhood near the Queensway and Windermere Ave. was the scene of two violent attacks late last night. Shots rang out after midnight, and police received a second call for a stabbing in the same area. An 18-year-old man was found at a Petro Canada gas station at the intersection, suffering from a gun wound. A 19-year-old man was found in a nearby housing complex on Swansea Mews, bleeding from a single stab wound in the left arm. Both men were sent to hospital. The shooting victim underwent surgery and remains in hospital today in serious condition. The stabbing victim was released from hospital earlier.

After the two crimes took place, Toronto Police set out to determine if the two were related. This involved “canvassing the area and securing video tape to ascertain what took place.” It is quite common for police to request any available security footage when investigating a crime. Security cameras are a powerful tool when it comes to determining who committed a crime and identifying any possible suspects. Having surveillance cameras installed at your home or business is an excellent way to deter criminals as well. Criminals understand how security cameras assist police and they will not want to risk being caught committing a crime.

Summerhill is a neighbourhood in central Toronto. As the name indicates, the neighbourhood is centered around Summerhill Ave and Yonge Street. The Summerhill neighbourhood is primarily filled with single family homes and several small and medium-sized businesses. Summerhill stretches south to the railway tracks and north to Farnham Avenue. It goes west to Avenue Road and east to Balfour Park and the Rosehill Reservoir. Some consider the area just outside these boundaries as part of the Summerhill neighbourhood as well. When discussing crime, it’s important to note that while breaking crime down by neighbourhood provides a good indicator about where crime is taking place, these neighbourhoods are not isolated from one another. For the most part they are imaginary boundaries, not actual hard borders, that divide areas. This means that criminals can easily cross streets and enter other neighbourhoods. Because of this, it is important to look at the surrounding area as a whole in additional to the neighbourhood crime rate. Our neighbourhood crime reports page has information on a number of different areas for comparison purposes. As far as the crime rate in Summerhill goes, between Avenue Road and Yonge Street and between the railway tracks and Woodlawn Avenue West, there is an average of 21.3 instances of property crime per 1000 people living and working in the neighbourhood. West of Yonge Street, there is an average of 2.67 crimes against people and 15.88 crimes against property per 1000. In July 2011, a woman was found dead in the bathtub of her home on Summerhill Gardens. It was not immediately known how the woman died or how long she had been in the bathtub, but according to the Toronto Star “Toronto police say they are treating the death as suspicious.” In January 2010, a man was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting two women on New Year’s morning. He assaulted one woman at St. Clair subway station (north of the Summerhill neighbourhood) and one at Summerhill station. From 680 News Toronto:

Investigators report in both instances, he allegedly followed the women as they left the stations, and then pushed them to the ground, assaulting them before fleeing.

In 2009, a armed robbery in a Summerhill Avenue pharmacy left two people in the hospital. From the Toronto Star:

A male suspect with a handgun entered Marshall’s Pharmacy on 412 Summerhill Ave. around 10:30 a.m. One of the pharmacists, a man, was slashed on the arm by broken glass after the suspect forcibly pulled instead of pushing the glass door, which was shattered by the impact. A female pharmacist suffered a broken leg after falling. Police say there was no struggle between the suspect and the victims and no shots were fired. Police have not been able to confirm what the suspect wanted, or what was taken from the pharmacy. The suspect fled across a railway track near Moore Park.

If you are looking to increase security at your business, SafeTech Alarm Systems can help.  We offer a wide variety of commercial security tools including alarm systems, surveillance cameras, access control and article surveillance systems and more. Please contact us for more information on how we can protect your business.

The Toronto neighbourhood of St. Lawrence is located in downtown Toronto. The neighbourhood’s boundaries are King Street and Front Street in the north, Yonge Street in the west, Parliament Street in the east and the Canadian National Railway tracks in the south. One of the most well-known parts of the neighbourhood is the St. Lawrence Market area near Front Street and Jarvis Street. The market is famous for weekly farmer’s markets as well as delis, bakeries, meat shops and a variety of other vendors.

St. Lawrence Crime Statistics

South of Front Street, between Yonge Street and Jarvis Street there is an average of 4.18 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 21.86 crimes against property per 1000. North of Front Street there is an average of 2.82 crimes against people and 13.97 crimes against property. South of Front between Jarvis and Parliament, there is an average of 8.19 crimes against people and 29.22 crimes against property. North of front there is an average of 6.81 crimes against people and 32.96 crimes against property.

St. Lawrence Crime & Security

In July 2010, a man was shot in the Front Street and Jarvis Street area. From the Toronto Star:

A man was transported to hospital after a shooting in the Front St. E. and Jarvis St. area Friday night. The victim, believed to be in his 30s, was found on Frederick St. just before 11 p.m. The incident occurred at an apartment building at 176 The Esplanade, police said. The victim is in life-threatening condition, an EMS official said.

A man was killed just outside the St. Lawrence neighbourhood in September 2009. From Canada.com:

Police are reviewing video surveillance footage as they investigate Toronto’s 39th homicide this year to determine what Kamal Hercules was doing before he was shot and killed in front of a store on Front Street near the St. Lawrence Market early on Saturday. A shrine is growing outside the grocery store, and emotional family members surveyed the scene on Saturday morning. Police are still looking for a suspect after the 21-year-old was shot repeatedly as he spoke with a friend outside Rabba Fine Foods at Front and Sherbourne streets sometime after 3:40 a. m. on Saturday. Police describe the suspect as wearing a ski mask and baggy clothing. Police believe Mr. Hercules was targeted, but they are not certain of a motive for the shooting.

Video footage from security cameras is often one of the first things that police officers ask for when they arrive at a crime scene. Surveillance footage is incredibly powerful evidence and it can provide authorities with vital details that can help them identify people at a crime scene, determine exactly what happened at what time, sort out exactly who was involved and rule out certain possibilities. The footage obtained from security cameras can also be used in court as evidence. SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting people and property for over 20 years. We have the expertise and knowledge needed to position and install security cameras in a manner that maximizes their benefits. We even offer 24-hour monitoring services. Contact us today for more information.

St. James Town is a Toronto neighbourhood and one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in North America as well as the largest high-rise community in Canada. It is located south of Bloor Street between Sherbourne Street and Parliament Street. It stretches as far south as Wellesley Street. As St. James Town is a very densely populated area in a large city, there is unfortunately crime in the region. On average, there is 10.44 crimes against people living and working in the area per 1,000. There is 24.97 crimes against property per 1,000. This is relatively average when compared to most downtown Toronto neighbourhoods in terms of property crime. The crime in St. James Town (and the crime in all of Toronto) ranges from relatively incidents of theft and robbery to assault and even murder. In March 2011 a man claiming to have a gun walked into a convenience store and demanded money. He fled the scene but was later arrested by police. They did not find a gun on the man or in the area. In October 2010 a man was stabbed in the chest near Sherbourne Street and Isabella Street. From CityNews.ca:

It happened around 8:30pm at St. James Town West Park, near Sherbourne and Isabella streets. The victim, believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s, was conscious and breathing when paramedics arrived. “He was bleeding from the chest and the ribcage,” said one witness. “But there wasn’t a lot of blood.” Bystanders say they saw the suspect fleeing on foot, but police only have a vague description.

In 2007 a 31-year-old man was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting on Bleeker Street in St. James Town. Two people were later arrested and charged with the murder, which was said to be related to a drug “turf war.” From the Toronto Sun:

James was highly respected in the community because he purchased walkers for the elderly, supported the disabled and refused to sell drugs to children, said Toronto Det. Wayne Fowler, who headed the homicide investigation. Fowler said there is no clear motive but the conflict may have been over a dispute between James and another drug dealer, who wanted to violate James’ rules on selling drugs in his Regent Park neighbourhood. The driver circled James twice as he stood outside the Bleecker St. apartment. On the second pass, JD fired several shots from an open backseat window. James died of a gunshot wound to his arm and chest, which injured his lungs and heart. The taxi roared off at high speed.

Unfortunately, crime is a reality in all large cities and Toronto is no exception. Being vigilant of your surroundings and properly following safety tips are the keys to remaining safe in Toronto. Another situation in St. James Town that is worth noting is the large fire that took place there in September 2010. While this was not a criminal act, it was very destructive and damaged a great deal of property. From CBC News:

Officials are uncertain how long it would be before residents can return to a Toronto highrise after an intense fire forced some 1,200 people from the building Friday afternoon. The fire, which started on the 24th floor of the 30-storey building at 200 Wellesley St. E. near Bleecker Street, sent at least 14 people to hospital Friday night, including three children, one of them just a month old. Three of the injuries were described as very serious.

It is important to remember that in addition to burglar alarms and home security systems, fire alarms are also incredibly important when it comes to keeping to family safe. Fire alarms, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors can be monitored by a 24-hour emergency monitoring station for maximum protection.

Seaton Village is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the Annex area of Toronto. It is located west of downtown Toronto and it is  a former unincorporated village. Toronto’s Korean Business Area (also known as Koreatown) is part of Seaton Village. The Seaton Village neighbourhood boundaries are Bloor Street in the south, Christie Street in the west, Bathurst Street in the east and the train tracks just north of Dupont Street in the north. The neighbourhood is sometimes referred as the “West Annex.” There is an average of 7.29 crimes against property per 1000 people living and working in Seaton Village. There is an average of 30.83 crimes against property in the area. In October 2010 there were a number of homes and cars broken into in the Seaton Village area. From the Seaton Village Residents’ Association:

Sadly, we are getting accounts of neigbours suffering the consequences of homes and cars being broken-in to in Seaton Village…AGAIN or is it STILL! In the past week, cars in the laneway behind Vermont Ave/Leal rental were broken in to. The same goes for the laneway in between Markham and Palmerston from Follis to Barton! Homes were broken in to in broad daylight (computers, jeweley being stolen) along the same stretches of Markham AND Vermont – more than twice in 2 nights!!! Please lock doors and windows!

Security systems, surveillance cameras, bars and gates and proper lighting are all tools that you can use to protect your property and your family. If you have questions regarding security services or if you are interested in a free risk assessment from a loss prevention professional, please contact us today. SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting people and property in Toronto for over 20 years. In June 2011, two men were arrested after they attempted to rob a variety store in the Bathurst and Dupont area. From the National Post:

Two suspects entered the store shortly after 1 p.m., one of them wearing a bandana. The disguised suspect allegedly assaulted a lone 82 year-old employee and attempted to force open the cash register while the other stood by with a loaded handgun. The two fled the scene empty-handed when a customer entered the store. Malcolm David, 19, and Destiny Meyler, 18, were arrested shortly after by police who seized a loaded handgun.

In March 2009, several swarmings were reported to police. From CTV News:

People in the Bloor and Bathurst Street areas are worried after four swarmings in the area on St. Patrick’s Day night, with one person suffering a serious stab wound to the chest as a result. The swarmings were reported to police between 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday. A 21-year-old man was stabbed in the kidneys during [one] attack. He was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries but he is now in hospital in stable condition, Adams said. Two of his friends were also attacked — one was pepper sprayed and the other was hit in the head with a hard object — but they are also expected to recover from their injuries. There are no suspects in custody but police say they are waiting to retrieve images from several surveillance cameras placed around the school’s property.

Surveillance cameras are often used by police to determine what actually took place at a crime scene as well as to identify suspects. SafeTech Alarm Systems specializes in security cameras. Please contact us for more information. In October 2010, two men were shot in the Seaton Village area. From CBC News:

Toronto police were looking for a gunman after two men were shot in the Bloor and Christie streets area on Wednesday afternoon. Police were called to the city’s west end, just after 1:30 p.m. ET, by reports of shots fired. The two men, aged 26 and 27, were taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One was shot in the arm, while the other suffered a scalp wound when a bullet grazed his head.

Scarborough City Centre is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the Scarborough region of the city. It is the central business district of the area. The neighbourhood borders include Kennedy Road in the west, Markham road in the east, Sheppard Avenue in the north and Ellesmere Road in the south. Scarborough City Centre includes many office buildings and high-rise condominiums as well as the Scaborough Town Centre shopping mall and the Scarborough Centre TTC rapid transit station. In the area between Kennedy Road and Midland Avenue but north of Highway 401, there is an average of 3.29 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area. There is an average of 12.32 crimes against property per 1000. South of the 401, still between Kennedy and Midland, there is an average of 6.3 crimes against people and 17.03 crimes against property. South of the 401, between Midland and Brimley Road, there is an average of 5.81 crimes against people and 10.14 crimes against property. North of the 401, still between Midland and Brimley, there is an average of 7.23 crimes against people and 12.3 crimes against property. North of the 401, between Brimley and McCowan Road, there is an average of 4.96 crimes against people and 12.91 crimes against property. In this same area but south of the 401 there is an average of 6 crimes against people and 51.78 crimes against property. This region of Scarborough City Centre is one of the Toronto neighbourhoods with the most property crime. North of the 401 between McCowan Road and Markham Road, there is an average of 3.84 crimes against people and 12.24 crimes against property. South of the 401 between McCowan Road and Bellamy Road, there is an average of 3.01 crimes against people and 6.89 crimes against property. From Bellamy Road to Markham Road there is an average of 6.09 crimes against people and 20.6 crimes against property. In September 2008, a man was stabbed and killed near Kennedy Road and Sheppard Avenue. From the Toronto Star:

Just hours after three shootings that led to two deaths in the GTA, Toronto police and ambulance services had to rush to the scene of a fatal stabbing. Police are remaining tight-lipped about the incident, which happened at 2250 Kennedy Rd., just south of Sheppard Ave E.

The Kennedy and Sheppard area was also the scene of a stabbing in February 2011. From CityNews Toronto:

A man has been rushed to hospital after being stabbed in the face and neck in Toronto’s east end Wednesday night. The victim, 38, was found in an office parking lot in the Kennedy Road and Sheppard Avenue area before 8pm. There are reports the weapon was a kitchen knife.

September 2011, a man was shot near Ellesmere Road and Markham Road. He was taken to hospital, but he survived the shooting. Also from the Toronto Star:

A man in his twenties was shot outside of a Shell station in Scarborough Saturday night, police say. The shooting took place near Ellesmere Rd. and Markham Rd around 11:30 p.m. EMS officials wouldn’t confirm his injuries, but police say he was shot in the leg and was sent to a trauma centre. Deputy commander Connie Christie said he is in serious, but stable, condition. No other injuries were reported, and police say they believe there is more than one suspect involved.

Scarborough Town Centre shopping mall has also been the scene of several criminal acts over the years. In 2007 a 19-year-old teen boy was stabbed in the mall. At the time Sgt. Ron Lawrence of the Toronto Police stated that “we have a lot of video here and we have some civilian witnesses that have helped out.” The presence of video surveillance is a key to keeping public areas such as shopping malls safe. Video footage can be instrumental in identifying and prosecuting criminals. For more information, please visit our page on security cameras. In May 2011, a man was shot in the torso outside Scarborough Town Centre.  Toronto Police arrested a man the following day and charged him with the shooting. Another excellent way to protect public places like shopping malls is with uniformed security guards. Contact SafeTech Alarm Systems for more information on how we can keep you safe.

Runnymede is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located along Bloor Street West. The neigbourhood’s boundaries are Jane Street in the west, Runnymede Road in the east and Bloor Street in the south. The railway tracks north of Dundas Street make up the northern boundary. The major streets in the region are Bloor Street, Jane Street and Runnymede Road. There is a mix of commercial and residential buildings in the neighbourhood and many of the street level units along major streets are commercial. Most of the housing units are single-family homes. The neighbourhood is part of the Bloor West Village shopping district.

Runnymede Crime Rates & Crime Statistics

There is a relatively average amount of property crime and crime against people in the neighbourhood. However, when investigating crime statistics it is important to take the statistics of the surrounding neighbourhoods into account as well as the specific area of interest. Criminal activity does not stop at arbitrary boundaries. Nearby neighbourhoods include High Park, Swansea and the Junction. In the area bordered by Annette Street in the north, Bloor Street in the south, Jane Street in the west and Runnymede Road in the east, there is an average of 6.25 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area. There is an average of 21.61 crimes against property per 1000. In the region bordered by the train tracks north of Dundas Street in the north and Annette Street in the south, between Jane Street and Runnymede Road, there is an average of 7.44 crimes against people and 27.42 crimes against property per 1000.

Runnymede Crime

In January 2012, a man was arrested following a violent home invasion in the Bloor and Runnymede area. From 680 News:

Toronto police have arrested a man wanted in a violent home invasion. Slavoljub or “Louie” Petrovic is accused of breaking into a home in the Runnymede Road and Bloor Street West area on Tuesday. Police allege the 53-year-old slashed a woman in the arm and then fled the home with some cash. He has been charged with robbery, aggravated assault, weapons dangerous and forcible confinement.

Home invasions are incredibly dangerous and terrifying. In order to protect yourself, your home and your loved ones, you should ensure that all appropriate security precautions are taken. All doors to the outside should be locked with a strong dead bolt and windows should be locked from the inside. You may wish to install bars or gates on your doors and windows as well. In addition, window and door frames should be strong enough so that they cannot be easily damaged or destroyed by potential intruders. It is also important to have a working alarm system that protects all areas of your home. Monitored alarm systems are a great idea since they can call the appropriate authorities for you if you are unable to do so yourself. In November 2011, a woman was sexually assaulted in the Dundas and Runnymede area. From AM 640:

Toronto police want to alert the public about a sexual assault investigation. Police say a man followed a woman in the Dundas and Runnymede area on Thursday. It’s alleged that he grabbed her from behind, pushed her and then sexually assaulted her before fleeing the scene.

A man robbed a bank in the Bloor and Runnymede area in January 2011. From Posted Toronto:

A man made off with an undisclosed amount of money from a TD Canada Trust bank at Runnymede Road and Bloor Street West. The suspect told bank workers he had a gun, but did not reveal one. The suspect is described as a white male and wearing sunglasses, a grey toque and a black leather jacket with a hoodie underneath.

In August 2010, shots were fired instead a store during a robbery in the Dundas and Runnymede area. From CP24:

Police are looking for a suspect after shots were fired inside a 7-Eleven near Runnymede Road and Dundas Street. Police say the suspect entered the store at about midnight demanding cash. He made off with a sum of money, and shots were fired inside the store. No one was injured.

A man was shot and killed in the same area in a unrelated shooting that took place in August of 2009. From CityTV:

A man believed to be in his mid 20s has become Toronto’s 62nd murder victim of the year after a fatal shooting on Maria Stret near Dundas and Runnymede Tuesday night. The man, who was found without vital signs, was pronounced dead at hospital. The incident took place just after 10pm.

In November 2009, a shooting took place near Runnymede and Bloor. From the Toronto Star:

Police are looking for a shooter and a victim after witnesses reported gunfire from an SUV Saturday in Bloor West Village. Police received reports that a black SUV with tinted windows and chrome wheels came to a stop and fired several shots at a white four-door sedan, possibly a Toyota, just before midnight on Elora Rd. near Birchview Cres. Witnesses told police there may be a victim, but none has turned up.

Rosedale is a Toronto neighbourhood and one of Toronto’s oldest suburbs. Many residential homes are located in Rosedale and the neighbourhood has approximately 8,000 residents. The neighbourhood’s boundaries consist of Bloor Street in the south, Yonge Street in the west, Bayview Avenue in the east and CPR Railway tracks in the north. This makes it one of Toronto’s most centrally-located neighbourhoods.  It is serviced by Rosedale Station on the Yonge Subway line as well as nearby Summerhill Station.

SafeTech’s Rosedale Crime Report

Rosedale is built among three ravines, which means that many roads are smaller and more winding than typical Toronto roads. This leads to a decrease in vehicle traffic in the neighbourhood. As a result, Rosedale is quite secluded from the rest of Toronto despite its location. While this means that the neighbourhood is relatively quiet, it also means that the amount of crime against property is relatively high. Our Rosedale Crime Report provides the details.

Rosedale Crime Report: Statistics

The rate of crimes against property per 1,000 living and working in Rosedale is 36.15. The number of break and enters per 1,000 people is 6.697. Most of the crime in Rosedale is theft, vandalism and robberies. These are the kinds of crime that unfortunately affect quiet, well-off residential neighbourhoods. Criminals use the fact that the areas are secluded and calm to scout potential targets and commit crimes in areas where they will not be noticed. Fortunately, many of these crimes can be prevented by effective alarm systems and security cameras. The good news is that crimes against people are quite low. There are an average of 6.15 crimes against people per 1,000 in Rosedale. Unfortunately, the recession has made property crime such as breaking and entering and automobile theft more common than ever before. These criminals often strike residential homes, but they also target neighbourhood businesses as well. In 2009, a Rosedale pharmacy was attacked by an armed criminal. The robber forced the door of the pharmacy open and injured two pharmacists who were working at the location. Armed with a gun, the suspect robbed the pharmacy and fled the area. Nearby schools were placed on lockdown for a brief while as a precaution. In some cases, criminals scout out homes for several weeks, determining the patterns of those who live there. Then they strike when they know no one will be home. They will even wear disguises and pretend to be construction workers or people from utility companies in order to watch homes unnoticed. In addition to a high-quality alarm system and monitored security cameras, windows bars and gates can certainly help protect your home. Strong locks such as deadbolts and reinforced doors and window frames are also good ways to prevent break-ins. As always, you have to ensure that you lock all of your windows and doors and set your alarm. Of course, breaking and entering and robbery are not the only crimes that take place in Rosedale, they are just the most common. In April 2011, the Toronto Police Financial Crimes Unit and the Emergency Task Force raided a Rosedale home. The authorities took three men and one woman into custody for what they called “crimes of a financial nature.” The four suspects were living in a Rosedale home that was split into several apartments. Police searched all of the apartments in the raid. It was later revealed that police uncovered one stolen ten-ounce Australian gold bar in the home. The police say that 75 gold bars were stolen in total and only the one had been recovered in the Rosedale home at this time. Those arrested are also being held in connection with a fraudulent bank draft for almost $1.9 million. That police raid in Rosedale shows that there is no way you can trust your neighbours at all times. It also highlights the fact that many people do not even know who the people living near them are or what they may be involved in. Just because you feel as though you are living in a safe neighbourhood, you can never be too cautious. In addition to equipping your home with the latest security technology (including alarm systems, security cameras, window and door bars and gates, motion detectors and strong locks) you should also be aware of your surroundings. If someone looks like they are scouting your property, take note. If you feel as though something strange is taking place in your neighbourhood, contact police or a security company for assistance. Our Rosedale Crime Report is part of our series of Toronto Crime Reports.

Roncesvalles is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located east of High Park. The area’s northern boundary is Bloor Street, while the southern boundary is the Queensway and Queen Street. Parkside Drive is the western border and Sorauren Avenue is the border in the east. In the past, Roncesvalles has been listed as one of the Toronto neighbourhoods with the most property crime. While there is an average amount of crimes against people, property crime rates are quite high in some parts of Roncesvalles. The northwestern part of the area, north of  High Park Boulevard between Roncesvalles Avenue and Parkside Drive has an average of 4.4 crimes against people per 1000 residents living and working in the area. It has an average of 19.15 crimes against property. South of High Park Boulevard, between Roncesvalles Avenue and Parkside Drive, there is an average of 5.85 crimes against people and 14.69 crimes against property. The northeastern region, between Roncesvalles Avenue and Sorauren Avenue and north of Wright Avenue has 6.9 crimes against people and 43.3 crimes against property. South of Wright Avenue, there are 8.29 crimes against people and 30.69 crimes against property. In areas where there is a high amount of property crime, it is important to take precautions and ensure that your property is protected from burglars, robbers, vandals and other criminals. Having a monitored alarm system installed on your property and using video surveillance cameras to record actions that take place are two smart ways to protect your home. Unfortunately, not all areas are protected by security cameras and criminals take advantage of locations that are not very visible. A disabled man was found dead in a laneway near High Park in April 2010. Police considered the death suspicious and noted that the area was dark and not very visible. People in the area at the time heard an argument take place, but no one witnessed the murder. Having security cameras and proper lighting would have made the laneway much safer and kept the area protected. Another way to prevent property crime is by making sure your home looks occupied at all times. If you are going to be out of your home for a long period of time, ensure that you have placed your lights on timers and that you have motion-activated lights installed around your home. It’s important that you install lights in places that are poorly lit. Proper lighting makes an area safer and increases the effectiveness of security cameras. Criminals prefer to act in darkness and therefore a well-lit area will be a crime deterrent. The Roncesvalles neighbourhood was also the scene of a robbery where two security guards were robbed of cash on their way to making an ATM deposit. The guards were ambushed by a pair of armed criminals who stole the money at gunpoint. Both criminals were covering their faces with balaclavas. This situation highlights the fact that you need to be aware of your surroundings at all time, especially when you are carrying valuables. If you end up in a situation where you feel uneasy, leave the situation immediately. You can never be too safe and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Riverdale is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located east of the Don River Valley. The boundaries of the Riverdale neighbourhood include Danforth Avenue in the north, Lake Shore Boulevard in the south, Jones Avenue in the east and the Don River Valley in the west. The neighbourhood of Leslieville is located just east of Riverdale. Riverdale is a very residential neighbourhood, but there are many independent, boutique and mainstream commercial shops in the area as well. There are also a number of parks in Riverdale. There are a number of small, distinct regions within Riverdale. The crime rates varies throughout the area. Riverdale crime rates are as follows:

Area Borders	Average Crime Rate
Don River, Danforth, Gerrard, Hampton Ave, Bain Ave, Pape Ave	16.87 crimes against people per 100032.34 crimes against property per 1000
Danforth, Gerrard, Jones, Hampton, Bain, Pape	12.27 crimes against people per 100041.48 crimes against property per 1000
Gerrard, Queen Street, Don Valley Parkway, Tiverton Avenue	10.09 crimes against people per 100038.48 crimes against property per 1000
Gerrard, Queen, Tiverton, Jones	8.81 crimes against people per 100038.36 crimes against property per 1000
Don Valley, Queen, Carlaw Avenue, Eastern Avenue	18.31 crimes against people per 100040 crimes against property per 1000
Queen, Eastern, Carlaw, Leslie Street	11.85 crimes against people per 100028.52 crimes against property per 1000
Eastern, Lake Shore, Don Valley Parkway, Leslie	8.14 crimes against people per 100025.47 crimes against property per 1000

In October 2007, a man as shot and killed in Riverdale Park. From CityTV:

One of the incidents occurred just before 10pm at Riverdale Park on Broadview Ave. south of Danforth Ave. A man was shot in the shoulder near the Riverdale pool, and was taken to hospital in serious condition. He has since succumbed to his injuries in hospital. According to the SIU, which is now involved in the case, police were called to the park to probe an apparent robbery in progress. When they attempted to arrest two individuals one allegedly got involved in an altercation with officers which resulted in the fatal shooting.

Also in October 2007, a woman was threatened with sexual assault as she walked home at night in Riverdale. From the Toronto Star:

The unidentified man approached the 29-year-old victim from behind while she walked home in the area of Danforth and Langford Aves. around 2 a.m. The suspect threatened the victim and indicated that he was armed as he tried to direct her to a secluded area. The woman was able to break free and run away after struggling with the man, flagging down a passing motorist and police were contacted.

In January 2008, a bystander was shot and killed in a shootout in Riverdale near Gerrard Street and Broadview Avenue. Also from the Toronto Star:

An innocent bystander working at a grocery store was shot to death in an apparent shootout on a busy Riverdale street last night. Shoppers ducked for cover as bullets struck store windows and parked cars on Gerrard St. E., near Broadview Ave., around 6 p.m. “It appears a totally innocent bystander, for the second time in a week, has been hit by gunfire on a busy downtown street, and has lost his life,” said Toronto police chief Bill Blair, as he attended the scene late last night.

This incidents show that it is always incredibly important to be aware of what is taking place around you and to be alert at all times. In June 2011 a boy was stabbed near Riverdale Park. From CTV:

Toronto police said a 16-year-old boy is recovering after being stabbed near Riverdale Park on Friday night. Sgt. Andria Cowan said the boy was with a group of teenagers near Broadview Avenue and Tennis Crescent at about 11:30 p.m. on Friday when he was approached by a suspect and stabbed in the shoulder.

In February 2011, a man was stabbed in an attempted robbery at a Riverdale convenience store. The National Post has the details:

[T]he Kims question their choice: they have weathered four robberies in 2½ years since they took over Luke’s Variety, on Logan Avenue in Riverdale. “I knew life is tough, but not this tough,” Ms. Kim said Monday at Luke’s, tears streaming down her cheeks. She now believes Toronto is more dangerous than Korea. On Thursday at 9:30 p.m., Mr. Kim sat by the till at Luke’s, reading the paper and listening to the classical music that always plays softly here. His wife napped in the back. Hearing noise, she ran up front to find her husband battling two robbers, she says. One held a gun and the other, a knife; he stabbed Mr. Kim twice in the back. Mr. Kim chased them and wrote down their plate number. Police Friday recovered the car but have not found the men, a police spokeswoman said Monday.

It is always important to recognize that crime can occur at any time in any neighbourhood. By being aware of your surroundings and by protecting yourself and your property with alarm systems and security cameras, you can be ready if a crime takes place.

Rexdale is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the Etobicoke area of the city. It is sometimes known as “North Etobicoke.” The Rexdale boundaries include the Humber River in the north, Rexdale Boulevard in the south, Islington Avenue in the east and Highway 427 in the west. Some consider the area to be larger and count the area as far north as Finch Avenue or Steeles Avenue to be part of the Rexdale neighbourhood. There are several smaller neighbourhoods in Rexdale, including Thistletown, Smithfield and the Elms. Rexdale has a number of single family homes as well as larger apartment buildings and condominiums. There are also several commercial establishments as well as an industrial area in the south of the region. Rexdale Park is a main park in the area. It is located near Elmhurst Drive.

Rexdale Crime Statistics

In the area bordered by the Humber River in the north and east, Islington Avenue in the east, Kipling Avenue in the west and Genthorn Avenue and Fordwich Crescent in the south, there is an average of 7.19 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area. There is an average of 9.4 crimes against property per 1000. In the area south of Genthorn Avenue and Fordwich Crescent down to Rexdale Boulevard, still between Kipling and Islington, there is an average of 6.5 crimes against people and 14.28 crimes against property. The region bordered by the Humber River, Rexdale Boulevard, Kipling Avenue and Highway 27, there is an average of 3.41 crimes against people and 15.14 crimes against property. In the area bordered by the Humber River, Rexdale Boulevard, Highway 27 and Highway 427, there is an average of 3.96 crimes against people and 20.84 crimes against property. In December 2011 two people were shot near a Rexdale banquet hall. From City TV:

Two people have been taken to hospital after a shooting in Rexdale late Sunday night. Police were called to a banquet hall in the Albion Road and Highway 27 shortly before 11:30 p.m. A female victim was shot in the foot and driven to the hospital by a friend. EMS transported a second male victim in his mid-20s to hospital with a gunshot wound to the buttocks. Both victims are expected to recover.

In April 2011 a man was shot in a Rexdale apartment building. From the Toronto Star:

A man is dead following a shooting in a Rexdale apartment building early Saturday. Police were called to an apartment on Bergamot Ave., near Islington Ave. and Rexdale Blvd., just after midnight after a passerby found the victim. Once on scene, emergency officials located the victim — believed to be in his 20s — in the building’s lobby suffering from two gunshot wounds to his torso.

In May 2009, shots were fired in a jewellery store robbery at Rexdale Plaza. From CP24:

A woman in her 50s has cuts to hands after shots were fired in a jewellery store robbery in north Etobicoke. Police are looking for three masked men they say robbed the store in the Rexdale Plaza at Islington Avenue and Rexdale Boulevard area. Witnesses say the men ran out of the store and got into a dark coloured jeep or van.

In November 2008 the Toronto Emergency Task Force was called to a Rexdale shopping mall after an armed robbery took place. From CTV:

The victim was leaving a business where he worked at a mall near Albion Road and Islington Avenue when he was held up by suspects with a weapon. Police say they have arrested two people and have recovered a machine gun.

In January 2008 a teenager was stabbed in the stomach in Rexdale. From City TV:

A 17-year-old boy had to undergo emergency surgery after being stabbed in the stomach in Rexdale. Officers were called to Kendleton Drive near Finch and Albion around 12:30am Friday. An ambulance transported the victim to a nearby hospital. The teen’s injuries are serious and no arrests have been made yet.

Regent Park is a Toronto neighbourhood located in the downtown area of the city. It is Toronto’s oldest and largest social housing project. Currently Regent Park is currently undergoing massive redevelopment. The boundaries of the neighbourhood are Gerrard Street in the north and Shuter Street in the south. River Street is the eastern boundary and Parliament Street is the western boundary. There is unfortunately a high amount of crime against people and crime against property in the neighbourhood, though the current redevelopment is hoping to solve many of those problems. In the area south of Gerrard Street to Dundas Street, between Parliament Street and the Don Valley Parkway, there is an average of 11.97 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area and 18.53 crimes against property. South of Dundas Street to Queen Street, from Parliament Street to the DVP, there is an average of 12.99 crimes against people and 22.39 crimes against property. The regions described above are slightly larger than the boundaries of Regent Park, but they still give an indication about crime in the area. Also, it is important to study the surrounding regions as crime does not stop at certain streets as you enter a new neighbourhood. Being vigilant about what it taking place around you and understanding the potential for crime in your neighbourhood is one of the keys to remaining safe. In July 2011 a man was arrested for impersonating a police officer in Regent Park. From CTV:

Police said a man presenting himself as a police officer approached at least 14 seniors in the Regent Park area earlier this month asking for identification. When the victims handed over their wallets, the fake officer fled. McQuade was arrested on July 7 after police released surveillance footage of the fake officer in action.

This is another situation that shows the power of security camera footage. Having a security camera means that you also have powerful evidence of a crime should one take place. Police officers frequently ask for surveillance footage within minutes of arriving at the scene of a crime. For more information on security cameras and how they can protect you and your property, please visit our security cameras page. In September 2011 a man was stabbed in Regent Park and rushed to hospital. From the Toronto Sun:

A man is fighting for his life in hospital after he was found lying in the street suffering from stab wounds early Friday. The man — in his late 40s or early 50s — received multiple stab wounds to the back and was also suffering from serious head trauma when a passerby spotted him near Dundas and River Sts. around 4:30 a.m., Toronto Police said. Police were contacted and the victim was rushed to an area trauma centre with life-threatening injuries.

In November 2010 a teenager was shot and killed near Dundas and River Street as well. From the Toronto Star:

The homicide squad is investigating after a teen was gunned down at a Regent Park townhouse complex Monday afternoon. A distressed man, believed to be the 18-year-old victim’s father, ran out in the intersection of Dundas and River Sts. just after 2 p.m. and flagged down a passing police cruiser on a routine patrol. Once out of the car, the sergeant found the teen suffering from a gunshot wound on the first floor of one of the row houses. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Dundas Street and River Street was also the scene of a murder in 2010. From CBC:

Toronto homicide detectives are investigating a double shooting that left two teenagers dead early Saturday morning. Sealand White, 15, and Jermaine Derby, 19, were fatally shot around 2 a.m. when they were leaving a party at an apartment building at 605 Whiteside Pl., near Dundas Street East and River Street in the city’s Regent Park neighbourhood. The two were heading down the elevator to the main floor. The elevator opened on the main floor and both victims were shot.

In December 2006 a man was killed during a fight in Regent Park from the Toronto Star:

A man taken to hospital following a fight in Regent Park early Thursday morning has succumbed to his injuries. Police were called to a high-rise on Oak St., just east of River St., after a security guard at the building called for an ambulance just before 12:15 a.m.

SafeTech Alarms also offers security guard services for homes, businesses and special events.

Queen West is a Toronto street as well as a neighbourhood located along that street. As the name suggests, the Queen West neighbourhood is located along Queen Street West, primarily between University Avenue and Spadina Avenue. The neighbourhood is home to many stores, restaurants, bars and clubs. It is a busy neighbourhood that is very popular with tourists as well as Torontonians. However, like all Toronto neighbourhoods, Queen West has its share of crime. From Queen Street north to Dundas Street, between University Avenue and Spadina Avenue, there is an average of 7.23 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 31.03 crimes against property per 1000 in that region. South of Queen Street to Front Street, still between University Avenue and Spadina Avenue, there are 9.45 crimes against people per 1000 and 24.92 crimes against property. In June 2011 a man was attacked by a person wielding a squeegee while in his car near Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue. From CBC:

A 23-year-old man is facing assault charges after a driver was struck with a squeegee at the corner of Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue on Monday. Police say a driver stopped at the intersection just before 4 p.m. A man began to clean the driver’s windshield with a squeegee, according to police. The driver, a Newmarket man, told the man with the squeegee to stop. The man with the squeegee refused, police allege. The driver got out of his car and was struck in the head with the squeegee, according to police. The blow left the driver with a gash on the head. Police were called to the scene and arrested a 23-year-old man. He faces charges of assault with a weapon. The driver was taken to hospital and released later.

This story shows how it is important to be aware of the situation that you are in at all times. While getting out of your car to stop someone from harassing you may seem like a good idea, it turned out to be the wrong one in this situation. When dealing with strangers you never know how they will act or how they will react to your actions so it is important to be careful. Unfortunately, crime can happen at any time and it is important to be aware. In January 2011, slightly further west, on Queen Street near Portland Street, a man was murdered while out celebrating the new year. It was the city’s first murder of 2011. Portland Street is located between Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street. A 20-year-old was stabbed and killed in a nearby alley. One of his friends was stabbed as well, but he survived the attack. Apparently the victim was approached by a group of people and one of them was holding a video camera. They asked the victim about his New Year’s resolutions and filmed his response. At some point an argument ensued and the man with the video camera left the scene.  He returned later and stabbed the victim and his 19-year-old friend. From the Toronto Sun:

The two pals, who came into the city with a group of friends to ring in the new year at the Tattoo Rock Parlour, were lured to a laneway after a bizarre incident and then attacked, Ecklund said. “They were on the street at the end of the night when a group of people approached them with a video camera pointing the camera’s bright light in their faces and asking them about their new year’s resolutions,” Ecklund said. The youths were unhappy about the bright light and asked to be left alone, he said. About an hour later, a guy who had been with the cameraman allegedly returned with a black-handled knife, convinced the pair to meet him in the alley and then stabbed them. One man was pronounced dead soon after arriving in hospital.

Video surveillance from nearby businesses captured the attack on camera. In this case, as well as in many other cases, this security camera footage is incredibly valuable to the investigation. According to CBC News “homicide investigators said earlier they believed it wouldn’t take very long to identify the suspect because security camera images from the area of Queen Street West clearly show the attacker.” Installing security cameras at your home or business will not only allow you to see and record criminal behaviour in order to protect yourself, but in the event of a crime this footage can be used by law enforcement to identify suspects and prosecute them. Video surveillance footage is a powerful tool in the fight against crime.

Parkdale is a neighbourhood in downtown Toronto. The neighbourhood is located west of Dufferin Street, between Dufferin and Roncesvalles Avenue. Parkdale is bordered by Lake Ontario in the south and Queen Street and Dundas Street in the north. Southwest Parkdale is considered one of the Toronto neighbourhoods with the most property crime. For the area south of the Gardiner Expressway which includes a portion of Parkdale, there are an average of 253.85 crimes against property per 1,000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 19.23 crimes against people per 1,000 in that area. The area between Queen Street, King Street, Jameson Avenue and Dufferin Street has an average of 13.29 crimes against people and 29.38 crimes against people. From King Street south to the Gardiner Expressway (also between Jameson Avenue and Dufferin Street) there is 6.61 crimes against people and 19.48 crimes against property. West of Jameson and east of Roncesvalles Avenue, between Queen Street and the Gardiner, there is an average of 12.2 crimes against people and 20.03 crimes against property. Unfortunately, the types of crime in Parkdale range from breaking and entering and burglary to assault and even murder. In 2009, a teenager was killed when three men broke into an apartment building unit on Jameson Avenue in Parkdale. The three men broke into the apartment at the back of the building and used a low balcony to enter the victim’s unit.  A fight broke out in the apartment and the two men who were inside ran from the building. Both were shot. One teenager was killed while his 20-year-old friend was rushed to the hospital. The situation may have been drug-related. Unfortunately, easy to access balconies and back doors are often targets for criminals. They are typically easier to break into than front doors as most people are more relaxed in security when it comes to other entrances. The only way to keep your home safe is to protect all entry points with dead bolt locks and window bars. One weak entry point compromises the safety of your entire home. Another Parkdale murder took place in 2010 when a 20-year-old man was shot and killed in the Close Springhurst Parkette on Close Avenue. Police had little information on the case, but believe that it was also connected to drugs. More recently, a man wearing a balaclava committed many Parkdale-area assaults in 2011. A 31-year-old man was charged with murdering a 62-year-old Parkdale resident with mental health issues in June. The same man was also charged with assault charges stemming from two other attacks in the neighbourhood, in the area of Queen Street and Jameson Avenue. The man also faces assault charges for five other attacks in Parkdale. Police credited neighbours in the area for giving them the evidence and information they needed to catch the criminal. The best evidence that police can receive is video evidence from security cameras. Many criminals are identified and caught because of surveillance cameras. The importance of this footage cannot be overstated. In many cases, such as the ones listed above, security camera footage is the best possible way to capture a dangerous criminal. Installing surveillance cameras on your property is an excellent way to protect yourself from property crime as well as assault and other crimes against people.

Old East York is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the former borough of East York. There are several different regions in the Old East York neighbourhood including Glebe land, Todmorden Village, Woodbine Heights, Crescent Town and Broadview North. The boundaries of this region are somewhat debatable, but in general the Old East York neighbourhood stretches from the Don River in the west to Woodbine Avenue or Victoria Park Avenue in the east, depending on who you speak to. Some consider the western boundary to be Pape Avenue instead. The southern boundary travels along Cosburn Avenue and the northern boundary is also the Don River and Taylor Creek Park. Old East York is located north of the East Danforth neighbourhood. In general, the Old East York neighbourhood has quite low rates of crime against people and low rates of crime against property. In the area north of Cosburn Avenue to the Don Valley Parkway and west of Pape Avenue, there is an average of 8.12 crimes against people and 13.29 crimes against property per 1000 living and working in the area. East of Pape, to Donlands Avenue, there is an average of 6.88 crimes against people and 17.89 crimes against property. Between Donlands and Coxwell Avenue, there is an average of 5.77 crimes against people and 22.45 crimes against property. Between Coxwell and Woodbine Avenue, there is an average of 13.11 crimes against people and 23.74 crimes against property. East of Woodbine Avenue to Main Street, but south of Taylor Creek Park, there is an average of 10.68 crimes against people and 2128 crimes against property. Between Main Street and Victoria Park, still south of Taylor Creek Park, there is an average of 14.45 crimes against people and 52 crimes against property. This is one of the areas of Toronto with the most property crime. However, as mentioned earlier, this area is sometimes not included in the Old East York neighbourhood. In November 2007, a man was stabbed and seriously injured in the Pape and O’Connor area. From CityTV Toronto:

At about 10:15pm, 54 division was called to a serious stabbing at 996 O’Connor Drive. A male in his late 20’s to early 30’s was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. There’s no word on his condition.

In January of 2008, a 14-year-old girl was stabbed and killed in the O’Connor Drive and St. Clair Avenue area. From CBC:

Toronto police arrested two teenagers on Wednesday in connection to the city’s first homicide of 2008 after a 14-year-old girl was stabbed to death Tuesday night. The area where the body was found at O’Connor Drive and St. Clair Avenue East is shown with police markers. (CBC) A 17-year-old male and a 15-year-old female were arrested Wednesday morning and are to appear in court on charges of first-degree murder, Toronto police said. … The victim was found just after 6 p.m. Tuesday in the area of O’Connor Drive and St. Clair Avenue East. She had been stabbed in the abdomen. She was taken to Toronto East General Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Her name has not been released. … Police arrested the male early Wednesday at an apartment not far from the scene. They did not say where the second suspect was located or whether both accused knew the victim.

In September 2011 a man was also stabbed in the St. Clair and O’Connor area. From the Toronto Star:

A man in his 40s is in stable condition after being stabbed in the chest Sunday night. The incident happened shortly before 9 p.m. on O’Connor Dr., near St. Clair Ave. E. The victim was rushed to a trauma centre on an emergency run, EMS officials said. The man’s injury is serious but is not considered life-threatening, police said.

In October 2011 a man was shot and killed near O’Connor and Victoria Park. From 680 News:

Toronto police have identified the man who was shot and killed Sunday evening in the Victoria Park Avenue and O’Connor Drive area. 27-year-old Dane Dillon of Toronto was found by police in the parking lot of 90 Parma Court with a gunshot wound to the torso. Dillon was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A man was stabbed in the Pape and Cosburn area in October 2011 as well. From CTV News:

A 41-year-old man is in hospital after he was stabbed in the east end of the city early Sunday morning, police said. The man suffered multiple stab wounds to the back when he was outside of a restaurant in the Pape and Cosburn Avenue area at about 2:45 a.m. He was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, police said. A suspect has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.

For information on how you can protect yourself and your property, please speak with one our experienced loss prevention professionals. We have over 20 years of experience in security.

North Toronto is a neighbourhood located along Yonge Street between St. Clair Avenue and Yonge Boulevard. The neighbourhood is a relatively narrow one that is primarily focused on Yonge Street itself. North Toronto was once its own town before being annexed by the City of Toronto in 1912. There are several high rise, medium-sized and single-family homes in North Toronto as well as a number of commercial businesses. There are a number of smaller neighbourhoods inside the North Toronto neighbourhood including Davisville Village, Lawrence Park, Yonge & St. Clair and Yonge & Eglinton. Between St. Clair and Eglinton and west of Yonge, there is an average of 2.81 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area and an average of 7.99 property crimes per 1000. On the east side of Yonge, between St. Clair and Mount Pleasant Cemetery, there is an average of 0 crimes against people and 12.01 crimes against property. The Mount Pleasant area sees an average of 2.27 crimes against people and 16.41 crimes against property. Between the Kay Gardiner Belt Line Trail and Balliol Street there is an average of 2.03 crimes against people and 10.4 crimes against property. In the Davisville area, between Balliol Street and Belsize Drive, there is an average of 5.46 crimes against people and 25.49 crimes against property. Between Belsize Drive and Eglinton Avenue, there is an average of 4.28 crimes against people and 13.01 crimes against property. North of Eglinton to Briar Hill Drive and west of Yonge Street, there is an average of 5.42 crimes against people and 18.98 crimes against property. Between Briar Hill Drive and Lawrence Avenue, still on the west side of Yonge Street, there is an average of 3.73 crimes against people and 14.62 crimes against property. On the east side of Yonge Street, between Eglinton and Broadway Avenue, there is an average of 7.73 crimes against people and 19.63 crimes against property per 1000 living and working in the area. Between Broadway and Keewatin Avenue, there is an average of 4.67 crimes against people and 14.83 crimes against property. Between Keewatin and Blythwood Road, there is an average of 3.65 crimes against people and 17.18 crimes against property. Between Blythwood and Lawrence Avenue there is an average of 4.44 crimes against people and 20.36 crimes against property. North of Lawrence to Brookdale Avenue, on the west side of Yonge, there is an average of 2.19 crimes against people and 17.34 crimes against property. North of Brookdale to Roe Avenue and Yonge Boulevard, there is an average of 2.8 crimes against people and 17.91 crimes against property. On the east side of Yonge, between Lawrence and Glen Echo Road, there is an average of 2.03 crimes against people and 13.5 crimes against property. In May 2011 a man was stabbed at a party in the Avenue Road and Lawrence Avenue area. From CTV:

An 18-year-old man is in hospital with stab wounds after an early morning brawl at a house party in north Toronto. The fight broke out just after midnight at a home near Avenue Road and Lawrence Avenue West. Police say the victim’s friends drove him to Sunnybrook Hospital. Two males are in custody, but it’s unclear whether charges have been laid. Police say the pair had crashed the party.

It is important to keep your home secure even when you are in it. Do not allow strangers into your home for any reason. If you are having a party and an unknown person arrives make sure to check if this person knows any of your guests before you let him or her into your home. Install a peep hole in your door or a security camera above your door so that you can see who is outside at all times. For more information on security cameras, please contact us. In June 2010, a man was stabbed in the Yonge Street and Lawrence area. From the Toronto Star:

Police are searching for three suspects after a man was stabbed in the Yonge St. and Lawrence Ave. W. area at around 3:00 a.m. Friday. The 25-year-old victim was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Police say the victim has not been cooperating with them, and one eye witness added that he had to be coaxed onto a stretcher. The incident took place near a Tim Hortons location, but officials would not verify whether the stabbing occurred inside the coffee shop itself.

The neighbourhood of New Toronto is located in the south-west area of the city in the former City of Etobicoke. It was once an independent municipality. The neighbourhood’s boundaries are Lake Ontario in the south, the Canadian National Railway lines in the north, Dwight Avenue in the east and Twenty-Third Street in the west. The neighbourhood is a mix of residential homes, commercial businesses and an industrial area.

New Toronto Crime Statistics

The crime against people in New Toronto is generally quite low though the crime against property is considered high. In the area bordered by Dwight Avenue, Fourteenth Street, Lake Ontario and Lake Shore Boulevard, there is an average of 11.67 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the region and 23.87 crimes against property. North of Lake Shore to the railway tracks, there is an average of 11.19 crimes against people and 19.75 crimes against property. The area bordered by Fourteenth Street, Twenty-Third Street, Lake Shore Boulevard and Lake Ontario has an average of 8.92 crimes against people and 48.09 crimes against property per 1000 living and working in the area. This is one of the Toronto neighbourhoods with the most property crime.  North of Lake Shore in this area there is an average of 20.32 crimes against people and 28.43 crimes against property.

New Toronto Crime Information

In May 2011 a man was stabbed in the Lake Shore Boulevard and Islington Avenue area. He suffered multiple stab wounds. From CP24:

Police said the victim was stabbed during some kind of dispute in the 2800 block of Lake Shore Boulevard West near Islington Avenue shortly before 1 a.m.

In December 2011 a man was stabbed near Lake Shore Boulevard and Kipling Avenue. According to the Toronto Star, “the man was rushed to trauma centre with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.” In 2010, a man was charged with impersonating a police officer to rob an apartment in New Toronto. From Inside Toronto:

A Toronto court officer is charged with impersonating a police officer after an Etobicoke woman was the victim Wednesday night of an armed robbery in her New Toronto apartment. A second man has also been charged. A third male suspect is outstanding. There are no descriptions available. Around 9:20 p.m. July 28, the woman answered a knock on the door of her Sixth Street and Lake Shore Boulevard West-area apartment. Three men, one armed with a handgun, forced their way into the apartment, police said. The men demanded property, police said, then fled. The woman did not sustain any injuries.

Also in 2010, a 13-year-old boy was stabbed behind the MasterCard Centre for Hockey Excellence, the Toronto Maple Leafs practice facility. Also from Inside Toronto:

An argument between two 13-year-old boys turned violent Sunday night after one was stabbed behind the Leafs’ practice arena in New Toronto. Police said the boy was transported to hospital March 21 with non-life threatening injuries, treated and released. The boys know one another and attend the same school, Det.-Sgt. Madelaine Tretter of 22 Division’s criminal investigation bureau said Monday.

In 2008 a man was found with no vital signs in a New Toronto residence. He was suffering from multiple stab wounds. From CityTV:

Detectives are hunting for a suspect in a homicide that started out as an unknown trouble call. When officers arrived at a residence on Coin St. near Lake Shore and Islington, they found the victim suffering from serious stab wounds. He had no vital signs, and although paramedics tried to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem has determined the multiple stab wounds caused his death.

Moss Park is a Toronto neighbourhood located south of Dundas Street, between Jarvis Street and Parliament Street. The southern boundary is usually considered to be Queen Street. Moss Park Toronto is a largely residential neighbourhood and it is home to several community housing projects. It is one of the Toronto neighbourhoods with the most property crime. The region also ranked first in violent crime among Toronto neighbourhoods, according to the Toronto Star. There is an average of 20.81 crimes against people per 1,000 in the area and 45.94 crimes against property per 1,000. In 2007, a man was shot in the head and killed inside an apartment building. From CP24:

A man in his mid-20s was gunned down in a downtown apartment building on Shuter and Sherbourne Streets. He was shot in the head just after 9 p.m., police say. They found his body on the seventh floor, near the elevators. The victim was rushed to St. Michael’s hospital but he was pronounced dead soon after arriving. Investigators are scouring through security camera tapes, hoping to catch a glimpse of the suspect.

Security cameras are vital tools in identifying, capturing and prosecuting criminals. Police often look for available security footage almost immediately after discovering that a crime has taken place. Installing a security camera in your home or business is an excellent way to protect your property and stay safe. SafeTech Alarms Systems is experienced with installing security cameras in homes and businesses. For more information, please contact us today. In 2010, a man was beaten to death in what appeared to be a revenge attack for an earlier robbery. From the Toronto Star:

Friends of a Toronto man who was beaten to death with a baseball bat on a downtown street corner say the attack was payback from the victim of a $25 robbery. Police, who have not released Simpson’s name, say he was involved in a street fight with another man that started around 9 p.m. and ended with the victim being taken to St. Michael’s Hospital. He was pronounced dead the next day, just after 5 p.m. People who knew Simpson said word had travelled quickly that he was attacked by a man he had robbed of $25 at knifepoint earlier the same evening. Police, who have not released Simpson’s name, say he was involved in a street fight with another man that started around 9 p.m. and ended with the victim being taken to St. Michael’s Hospital. He was pronounced dead the next day, just after 5 p.m. People who knew Simpson said word had travelled quickly that he was attacked by a man he had robbed of $25 at knifepoint earlier the same evening.

In a very high-profile 2005 case, a homeless man was beaten to death in Moss Park. Also from the Toronto Star:

On Aug. 31, 2005, 59-year-old Paul Croutch was beaten to death in the wee hours of the morning at Moss Park, in downtown Toronto. There was no evidence during the trial that Croutch had ever fought back. Croutch, a one-time community newspaper publisher, was sleeping in a well-lit area. He was afraid of shelters and found them to be dangerous. He used garbage bags in an attempt to protect himself from the pouring rain. Croutch also had been in poor health. He suffered from heart disease, hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, emphysema and swelling in the legs. During the incident, Croutch was kicked and punched in the head, midsection and back. Before being taken off life-support several hours later at St. Michael’s Hospital, he had suffered fractured ribs, a torn spleen and a fatal brain injury.

Mimico is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the former City of Etobicoke in the west end of Toronto. Mimico is a historic town that was once its own municipality. Mimico is located west of Fleeceline Road and Louisa Street and it stretches as far west as Dwight Avenue and St. George Street. The neighbourhood’s northern boundary is Evans Avenue, Algoma Street and Manitoba Street and Lake Ontario in the south. Mimico is a largely residential neighbourhood, though it does have some commercial strips and some industrial areas. While crimes against people are average, crimes against property in Mimico are somewhat high. In the area west of Fleeceline Road, south of Manchester Street and north of Lake Shore Boulevard, stretching to Queens Avenue and Royal York Road in the west, there is an average of 10.07 crimes against people per 1,000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 23.97 crimes against property in this region. From Queens Avenue west to Dwight Avenue and south of Manchester Street, there is an average of 7.52 crimes against people and 15.44 crimes against property. North of Manchester Street, stretching across the length of Mimico, there is an average of 7.99 crimes against people and 31.38 crimes against property. In April 2010, a shooting took place in a Mimico barbershop that left two people in hospital with serious injuries. It was just before 8pm on April 23, 2010 when a man walked into a barbershop at Lake Shore Boulevard and Royal York Boulevard with a gun. He fired several shots which sent patrons running from the shop in fear. The gunman fled the scene before police arrived. A few months later, in August 2010, a woman was attacked on Royal York Road near Mimico GO Station in a separate crime. The woman was hit in the head (reportedly with a hammer) and sexually assaulted by an unknown man. The man escaped the scene of the crime. In 2008, a 72-year-old double amputee was stabbed to death in his apartment near Lake Shore Boulevard and Islington. Unfortunately, as with every large city and every neighbourhood in every large city, there will always be some criminal activity. However, rather than become a victim of crime, you can prepare yourself to prevent, deter and catch criminals in the act. Having a home security system that is equipped with a monitored alarm system will prevent people from being able to access your home without the proper authorities being notified immediately. Monitored home security systems are connected to a central monitoring station that protects your home at all times. For additional security, video surveillance cameras offer not only the protection of being able to see what is taking place in your home or business at all times, but they also have the added advantage of recording all activity. This is critical for identifying and prosecuting criminals. Video evidence is a powerful tool for police as well as in court. These security services not only protect you from crime, but they also act as a criminal deterrent.

Milliken, also known as Milliken Mills, is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the former Scarborough area of the city. The area’s boundaries are Finch Avenue and McNicoll Avenue in the south, Warden Avenue in the west, Middlefield Road in the east and Steeles Avenue in the north. The area in the Town of Markham to 14th Avenue, between Warden and Markham Road is often considered part of the Milliken region, despite being in Markham and not in the actual City of Toronto.

Milliken Crime Statistics

The neighbourhood of Milliken is broken down into several smaller areas for the purposes of crime statistics. It is important to note that crime does not suddenly stop at a certain street or dividing line, so the crime for the entire neighbourhood and the surrounding should be taken into account when researching crime statistics for any region. In the area bordered by Steeles Avenue in the north, McNicoll Avenue in the south, Warden Avenue in the west and Wintermute Boulevard, Bamburgh Circle and Fundy Bay Boulevard in the east, there is an average of 1.22 crimes against property per 1000 living and working in the region. There is an average of 6.32 crimes against property. East of Wintermute Boulevard, Bamburgh Circle and Fundy Bay Boulevard to Birchmount Road, still between Steeles and McNicoll, there is an average of 3.21 crimes against people and 9.03 crimes against property. The area bordered by Steeles, McNicoll, Birchmount and Kennedy Road has an average of 3.07 crimes against people and 11.74 crimes against property. East of Kennedy Road to Midland Avenue, between Steeles Avenue and Finch Avenue, there is an average of 3.94 crimes against people and 20.5 crimes against property per 1000 living and working in the area. The region bordered by Steeles Avenue in the north, Midland Avenue in the west, Brimley Road in the east and Copthorn Avenue, Withycombe Crescent and Audrelane Court, there is an average of 2.63 crimes against people and 5.76 crimes against property. South of this area to McNicoll Avenue, there is an average of 1.28 crimes against people and 5.03 crimes against property. South of McNicoll to Finch, still between Midland and Brimley, there is an average of 2.31 crimes against people and 11.62 crimes against property. In the area bordered by Steeles Avenue in the north, Brimley Road in the west, McCowan Road in the east and Oakhaven Drive, Goldhawk Park and Alton Towers Circle in the south, there is an average of 2.29 crimes against people and 8.1 crimes against property. South to McNicoll, there is an average of 1.41 crimes against people and 6.91 crimes against property. In the area directly south to Finch Avenue, there is an average of 7.05 crimes against people and 31.98 crimes against property. The region surrounded by Alton Towers Circle has an average of 2.99 crimes against people and 5.89 crimes against property on the west side of McCowan Road and 3.78 crimes against people and 7.17 crimes against property on the east side of McCowan Road. West of McCowan to the neighbourhood’s border, between Steeles Avenue and McNicoll Avenue, there is an average of 3 crimes against people and 12.97 crimes against property. South of McNicholl to Finch Avenue, between McCowan Road and Middlefield Road, there is an average of 3.41 crimes against people and 8.94 crimes against property.

Milliken Crime

In May 2008, two people were stabbed in Milliken Park near McCowan and Steeles. From CTV News:

A Victoria Day celebration turned violent Monday night after two brothers were stabbed in Milliken Park. Toronto police received information that a third person was also stabbed but only two wounded men were found at the scene, near the McCowan Road and Steeles Avenue park. Hundreds of people were at the park watching fireworks when a fight broke out between a group of young men. Police say one man was stabbed in the arm. The other victim was stabbed in the back and is in hospital in serious condition. Both are recovering at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

In May 2009, a man was shot in a shopping centre parking lot near Finch and Kennedy. From CTV News:

Toronto police are investigating a late-night shooting in north Scarborough that left one man in hospital with serious injuries and another in police custody. Shots rang out just before midnight Monday in a parking lot of a shopping plaza located on Finch Avenue, just east of Kennedy Road. A passerby saw a man stumble and fall near the railway tracks that are just east of the plaza. The passerby called police but by the time authorities arrived, the man was pulled into a silver Mini Cooper. Police say they received a call a short time later about a victim who had been admitted to Scarborough General Hospital with a gunshot wound to his buttocks and abdomen. The victim, who is in his twenties, has since been transferred to St. Michael’s Hospital in downtown Toronto.The Mini Cooper that was seen transporting the victim has been located and has been searched by police. A suspect – a man in his twenties that is believed to have been inside the car – is in police custody. Police have also recovered a weapon. Authorities say they are investigating whether the gun battle that erupted between a two groups of men was caught on a surveillance camera that was set up in the plaza. Investigators say they found numerous shell casings in the parking lot.

Video surveillance footage is powerful evidence that is incredibly useful to police. For information on security cameras and how they can help protect you, please visit our security cameras page. In September 2011 three people were injured in a knife fight near Kennedy and McNicoll. From Global News:

Three teenagers were taken to hospital after a knife fight in Toronto’s east end early today. Police were called to the Kennedy Road and McNicoll Avenue area just before 3 a.m. They found three teens injured in the parking lot of a restaurant on Silver Star Boulevard. An 18-year-old and 19-year-old man had been stabbed while another 18-year-old was treated for minor cuts.

Malvern is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the eastern part of the city, in the area formerly known as Scarborough. The area’s boundaries are Finch Avenue in the North, Highway 401 in the south, Markham Road in the east and Morningside Avenue, the Toronto Zoo and Conlins Road in the west. The neighbourhood has the highest concentration of young people in Canada.

Malvern Crime Rates

The neighbourhood of Malvern can be split up into several smaller areas for the purpose of accurately capturing crime statistics. It is, however, important to note that criminals do not stop a arbitrary boundaries. You should take an entire region’s crime statistics to heart when looking into the crime statistics of a neighbourhood. Overall, there is an average amount of crime in Malvern. In the area north of the CP Toronto train tracks, south of Finch Avenue and between Markham Road and Morningside Avenue, there is an average of 5.72 crimes against people and 11.45 crimes against property per 1000 people living and working in the region. South of the train tracks to Sheppard Avenue, in the area bordered by Markham Road in the west and Tapscott Road and Washburn Way in the east, there is an average of 8.6 crimes against people and 10.5 crimes against property. East of Tapscott and Washburn to Neilson Road, there is an average of 9.93 crimes against people and 40.88 crimes against property. South of Sheppard Avenue to the 401, between Morningside Avenue and Markham Road, there is an average of 4.33 crimes against people and 14.14 crimes against property per 1000. In the region bordered by the railway tracks, Neilson Road, Morningside Avenue, Mclevin Avenue and Sewells Road, there is an average of 4.26 crimes against people and 7.28 crimes against people. In the area bordered by Mclevin Avenue, Neilson Road, Sheppard Avenue and Brenyon Way, there is an average of 12.22 crimes against people and 15.39 crimes against property. The area bordered by Sewells Road, Brenyon Way, Sheppard Avenue, Morningside Avenue and Mclevin Avenue sees 8.67 crimes against people and 13.47 crimes against property. The region between Sewells Road, Morningside Avenue and Mclevin Avenue has an average of 10.52 crimes against people and 17.25 crimes against property. East of Morningside Avenue, there is an average of 3.44 crimes against people and 9.71 crimes against property.

Malvern Crime

In January 2010, a man was shot and killed in a Malvern parking lot. From City TV:

Around midnight, officers received a call for shots fired at 50 Empringham Drive, near Sheppard Avenue and Neilson Road. When they arrived, they found 19-year-old Vincent “Villain” Wright lying in the parking lot with gunshot wounds to the chest. He was rushed to Sunnybrook hospital where, despite paramedics’ best efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead.

In April 2010 a man was stabbed in an apparent “road rage” situation. From the Toronto Sun:

It’s believed the victim, a 35-year-old Scarborough man, and another motorist were driving westbound when one of vehicle “bumped” the other. Words were exchanged and as the victim exited the 401 he was followed by the other driver, police allege. The “yelling” continued as the two motorists travelled north up Neilson Rd. They both pulled over at Wickson Tr., just north of Sheppard Ave. E., and during the ensuing confrontation the victim was stabbed repeatedly. The other driver fled the scene as the wounded man drove himself to his home nearby. Once there, a family member called 911.

In February 2011, a man was shot and killed near Sheppard Avenue and Neilson Road. From the Toronto Star:

Two men have been charged with first degree murder after a weekend shooting in Malvern that left a 20-year-old man dead. Police and ambulance rushed to the Sheppard Ave. E. and Neilson Rd. area just before midnight Saturday and found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Joel Waldron, 20, was pronounced dead on the scene. Police say two men had approached the victim, then one pulled out a gun and fired at him. They then fled the scene, and were later arrested, police said.

In January 2012 a man was shot and killed near Malvern Town Centre. It was Toronto’s first homicide of 2012. From 680 News:

Toronto has it’s first homicide of the year after a 20-year-old man was shot dead on a street near Malvern Town Centre. Franklin was pronounced dead on the scene around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday after being shot four times on Hupfield Trail, near Neilson Road and Finch Avenue. There has been no word on any suspects or motive for the shooting.

For more information on safety and security, please visit our neighbourhood crime profiles page or contact us.

Little Italy is a Toronto neighbourhood that is often also called College Street West due to its location. As the name suggests, the area is home to many Italian Canadian businesses and restaurants. There are also many private residences in the Little Italy neighbourhood. The area is located along College Street, primarily between Bathurst Street and Ossington Avenue. It goes south to Dundas  St, and north to just past College. The northern border is sometimes debated, but Little Italy does not stretch any farther than Harbord Street. The Little Italy neighbourhood is home to both a busy commercial area and a number of single-family homes. Unfortunately, crimes against both people and property are quite high in the Little Italy neighbourhood. In the area bordered by College Street in the north, Dundas Street in the south, Bathurst Street in the east and Grace Street in the west, there is an average of 5.62 crimes against people per 1,000 people living and working in the neighbourhood. However, there is an average of 32.77 crimes against property in this area. North of College Street to Harbord, between Bathurst and Grace, there is 7.26 crimes against people and 40.66 crimes against property. West of Grace Street to Ossington, but still between College and Dundas, crime is somewhat lower. There is an average of 6.5 crimes against people and 25.07 crimes against property. Unfortunately, as with all neighbourhoods in large cities like Toronto, there is crime in Little Italy. The area’s restaurants, bars and nightlife draw a large number of people into the neighbourhood and this increases the likelihood of crime taking place. In June 2011, a man in his 20s was taken to the hospital after he was shot outside of a bar near College and Bathurst. The shooting happened after 3:30 in the morning, when most bars were closing for the night. The shooter was also in his 20s and is currently wanted by police. A man in his 40s was also shot in the same attack, but he suffered less serious injuries and he has been released from hospital. He was likely a bystander who had nothing to do with the argument that led to the shooting. This shooting shows that crime can take place in any neighbourhood at any time and stresses the fact that it is important to protect yourself and to stay away from dangerous situations. If you feel unsafe or if a nearby argument seems as though it could turn violent, your best option is to remove yourself from the area as soon as possible. Toronto rapper and actor Drake was also a victim of crime in the area. He was robbed at gunpoint while in his car with a date. The robbery took place outside a Little Italy restaurant in 2009. Drake has mentioned in the past that the robbery made him feel less than safe in his hometown of Toronto. Unfortunately crime can happen to anyone. Recognizing the situation that you are in and protecting yourself is important. Securing your home or business with alarm systems and security cameras is also an excellent move to take.

Liberty Village is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the west end of the city. The boundaries of this neighbourhood are King Street in the north, the Gardiner Expressway in the south, Dufferin Street in the west and Strachan Avenue in the east. Liberty Village was formerly an industrial area, but recently the neighbourhood has become much more popular and diverse. The Liberty Village neighbourhood has grown very quickly over the last few years and it is now filled with condominiums, houses, office space, commercial space and parks of all shapes and sizes. In the area bordered by King, Dufferin, the Gardiner and Atlantic Avenue, there is an average of 8.09 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 18 crimes against property per 1000. Note that these statistics include the area slightly west of Dufferin. Also note that crime does not stop at any particular street and thus knowing the average crime rate for the surrounding region is important as well. East of Atlantic Avenue to Strachan Avenue, there is an average of 5.39 crimes against people per 1000 and 23.88 crimes against property per 1000. In October 2011 a police officer was stabbed in the King and Dufferin area. From 680News Toronto:

A police officer is in hospital with non-life threatening injuries after a confrontation with a suspect Saturday evening. Around 8:00 p.m., the officer was stabbed in the face near 200 Dufferin Street and Temple Avenue, in the Dufferin and King area. Police told 680News that one person was shot in the altercation, but they cannot confirm the extent of their injuries. However, Global reported late Saturday evening that the shooting was fatal.

A year earlier, in October 2010, a man was approached by three men in the Liberty Village area. The altercation resulted in the man being stabbed. From CBC News:

Toronto police are searching for three suspects after a stabbing near Liberty Village early Sunday morning. Police said they responded to a call of a stabbing near King Street West and Tyndall Avenue at around 3:35 a.m. Police allege a victim was approached by three men and chased by one man brandishing a knife. The victim was stabbed several times, police said.

In August 2009 a woman was robbed and sexually assaulted by six men near her Liberty Village apartment. From CityNews Toronto:

Police are on the hunt for six suspects after a young woman was robbed and sexually assaulted as she returned home to her Liberty Village apartment. At 3am Tuesday, the 23-year-old was approached by six males in the front lobby of her building near King St. W. and Dufferin St. The accused then forced the victim into a stairwell, robbing and sexually assaulting her before fleeing the scene.

Five teenage boys were arrested about a month later in connection with the assault. According to a separate CityNews story, “Police credit extensive video surveillance in the apartment building with aiding them in making the arrests.” Video surveillance is an incredible tool for catching criminals in the act, identifying them after the fact and prosecuting them for their crimes. Video evidence is very powerful and that is why it is often used by law enforcement officials when they are investigating a case. SafeTech Alarm Systems understands the value of a properly installed, maintained and monitored video surveillance system. Our loss prevention experts can help you keep your property safe and protect you and your family at the same time. Contact us for more information on how security cameras can offer peace of mind.

Leslieville (or South Riverdale) is a Toronto neighbourhood located east of the Don River. It is the subject of this neighbourhood report. Presenting our Leslieville Crime Report. The boundaries of Leslieville include Eastern Avenue in the south, the Canadian National Railway lines in the north, Empire Avenue in the West and Coxwell Avenue in the east. It is located in the Toronto-Danforth riding. There are many trendy and exciting stores in the region as well as a great deal of green space.

Leslieville Crime Report: Stats

In general, the Leslieville neighbourhood has an average amount of both property crime and crime against people. The area north of Queen Street and west of Jones Avenue has an average of 8.81 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the region. It has 38.36 crimes against property per 1000. North of Queen, between Jones Avenue and Greenwood Avenue, there are 9.89 crimes against people and 25.17 crimes against property. Between Greenwood and Coxwell there are 13.55 crimes against people and 22.22 crimes against property. South of Queen Street, between Empire Avenue and Carlaw Avenue, there is an average of 18.31 crimes against people and 40 crimes against property. Between Carlaw and Leslie Street, there is an average of 11.85 crimes against people and 28.52 crimes against property. Between Leslie Street and Eastern Avenue, there are 13.55 crimes against people and 22.22 crimes against property per 1000.

Specifics: Leslieville Crime Report Case Studies

As part of our Leslieville crime report, we looked at particular crimes that took place in this area to create specific case studies. One of the most shocking crimes to take place in this neighbourhood was a 2008 shooting outside of the Duke of York tavern. A 23-year-old woman was shot and killed outside of the bar and four others were wounded. The woman who was killed was a bystander. After a three-day manhunt, the suspected shooter surrendered to Toronto Police. The shooting left many feeling unsafe and afraid in the area and across Toronto. An increase in the number of guns and other firearms in the city was frequently blamed as the reason for the increasing number of shootings in Toronto. In 2009, a man was stabbed and killed inside a Leslieville basement apartment. Neighbours heard an argument coming from the apartment and police reported that the victim was stabbed by another man at some point. Neither the victim nor the suspect lived in the building. Another Leslieville death, that we investigated for our Leslieville crime report, look place in 2010. In this case, a man found the dead body of his friend inside a home at Gerrard Street East and Greenwood Avenue. The body showed signs of trauma and police considered the death suspicious. The victim was later identified as 20-year-old Jin Tao Zhu. He died from blunt force injury and the case was ruled a homicide. Four young men and one youth were charged with second-degree murder. These seemingly random crimes are further evidence that you can never be sure of your safety. Proper alarm systems and other security services are the key to staying safe inside your home. It is also very important that you are aware and alert of what is going on around you and that you avoid potentially dangerous situations. Break-ins, robberies and violence weren’t the only crimes we found when creating our Leslieville Crime Report. The year 2010 was also known for a series of suspicious fires in Leslieville. One fire in July took place in an alley behind several businesses. Police say that a young man is believed to have set several boxes on fire, causing damages to the businesses. A few weeks earlier, three garages in the area were burnt as well as a house’s front porch. Security cameras and other surveillance equipment is vital in catching and identifying criminals in such cases. Having proper security is an important thing to learn from this Leslieville Crime Report.

Leaside is a Toronto neighbourhood that is west of the Don Valley Parkway and south of Sunnybrook Park. Running primarily along Bayview Avenue, Leaside is composed mostly of single-family homes.

Data from our Leaside Crime Report

A lot of important information can be found in our Leaside Crime Report. There is an average amount of property crime in Leaside. According to the 2006 census, the rate of crimes against property in Leaside was 16.81 per 1,000 people. The average number of break and enters reported in 2008 was 2.753 per 1,000 people. Both of these rates place Leaside near the middle of Toronto neighbourhoods in regards to crime. Earlier this year, a man broke into a Leaside home in hopes of squatting in the residence. In the case, a woman returned home from walking her dog to find a strange man inside her home. The man ran from the home, but was caught by nearby construction workers. Area residents were terrified by the incident and the woman is no longer comfortable taking her daily walks. A home alarm system likely would have scared the intruder off and made him think twice about attempting to illegally enter someone else’s property.

Violent Crime: Details from the Leaside Crime Report

While there is a low rate of crime against people in Leaside, there have been some cases of violence on Leaside streets. Last year, several students were robbed near a Leaside school by two young men. About 11 students were robbed by the two men who were carrying replica handguns and demanding the victims’ possessions. A similar robbery took place earlier this year.Two teenage suspects robbed two 12-year-olds of their cell phones and other items. It was reported that one man may have had a gun. The crime took place at about 4:00 in the afternoon. These crimes are similar to a rash of robberies that occurred in the area in 2009. Also in 2009, a series of SUVs were stolen from driveways in the area. The sophisticated thefts were suspected to be linked to organized crime. The vehicles were stolen directly from driveways in Leaside, near Bayview and Eglinton. At least six Toyota SUVs were stolen. Criminals likely used laptop computers to crack the vehicles keyless entry codes in order to steal them without being noticed. All of the cars were parked in the driveways of Leaside homes and locked securely, but that didn’t prevent them from being stolen. Keeping the vehicles in locked garages that are secured by alarm systems would likely have stopped the crimes from occurring. Adequate lightning that draws attention to vehicles and makes them easier to spot makes it more difficult for criminals to work unnoticed. This is especially important for homeowners who do not have garages or are unable to park their cars inside them. This Leaside Crime Report is part of our series of Toronto Crime Reports.

Lawrence Park, Toronto is a neighbourhood located near Lawrence Avenue, between Yonge Street and Bayview Avenue. The area is centered on Mount Pleasant Road. It is located within walking distance of Lawrence Subway Station and a 10 minute drive from Highway 401. Our Lawrence Park Crime Report can help you understand crime in this region.

SafeTech’s Lawrence Park Crime Report

Crime rates in Lawrence Park differ between the northern and south part of the neighbourhood. While Lawrence Park south does not have very many crimes against people, it has an average amount of property crime. In the northern area, crimes against people are average but property crime is quite high. In Lawrence Park as a whole, there were 3.73 crimes against people per 1000 people in 2008 and 14.62 property crimes per 1000 people. This information is a vital part of our Lawrence Park Crime Report. Breaking and entering is one of the most common Lawrence Park crimes. In Lawrence Park North there were 3.14 break-ins per 1000 people. There were 4.11 break-ins per 1000 people in Lawrence Park South. Many homes in the area are quite upscale and therefore they can be a tempting target for burglars. Late 2010 saw a rash of break-ins in the area. Several Lawrence Park homes were hit and Toronto Police placed the neighbourhood under close surveillance. In one case, a resident had her car broken into and vandalized while she was on vacation. The car’s GPS system was stolen along with golf clubs, a camera and other items. The police believe that the various robberies and break-ins were unrelated. Another case in that string of robberies involved a house being broken into during the day. Thieves stole a large quantity of money as well as several gold coins from the home. A nearby home was also robbed, with the burglars taking jewellery and electronics in that instance. Several people have been arrested for break-ins in the neighbourhood, but police warned that the robberies were being carried out by a number of different individuals – some of whom were still on the loose.

Protecting your Lawrence Park Home

These crimes highlight the fact that people need to be vigilant in protecting their belongings and that they need to take steps to stay secure. Valuable items should never be left inside vehicles and cars should be kept in locked and alarmed garages whenever possible. Security systems are a key to preventing break and enters. Alarm systems and security cameras are critical to detecting and identifying criminals.

L’Amoreaux is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the former City of Scarborough. It was part of the former town of Agincourt as well. The neighbourhood is primarily a residential one. There are a number of single-family homes and townhomes in the region as well as several apartment buildings and condominiums. The boundaries of the L’Amoreaux neighbourhood include McNicholl Avenue in the north, Huntingwood Drive in the south, Victoria Park Avenue in the west and Kennedy Road in the east. The crime rate in L’Amoreaux depends on where you live in the area. Between Kennedy Road and Birchmount Road, from Huntingwood Drive north to Finch Avenue, there are 8.58 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the area. There are 13.24 crimes against property. North of Finch Avenue to McNicholl, still between Kennedy and Birchmount, there is 3.64 crimes against people and 15.96 crimes against property. The area bordered by McNicholl, Birchmount, Warden Avenue and Finch has 2.64 crimes against people and 11.66 crimes against property. South of Finch to Huntingwood Drive, there are 6.83 crimes against people and 10.97 crimes against property. West of Warden Avenue to Pharmacy Avenue, between Huntingwood and Finch, there are 3.76 crimes against people and 9.88 crimes against property. North of Finch to McNicholl, still between Warden and Pharmacy, there are 4.28 crimes against people and 20.22 crimes against property. Between Pharmacy and Victoria Park Avenue, from Huntingwood to Finch, there are 6.13 crimes against people and 11.35 crimes against property. The area bordered by Pharmacy, Victoria Park, Finch and McNicholl has an average of 10 crimes against people and 6.31 crimes against property. Unfortunately all Toronto neighbourhoods have some degree of crime and L’Amoreaux is no exception. In February 2010, a driver for a pizza company was making a delivery in the Huntingwood Drive and Victoria Park Avenue area when he was confronted by an armed suspect. From the Toronto Police Service:

The victim approached the driveway of the residence and was confronted by a male suspect wearing a disguise. The suspect produced a handgun, made a demand for cash and struck the victim about the head with the weapon. The suspect then fled the scene empty-handed northbound on Fairglen Avenue towards a nearby apartment complex. Toronto EMS attended and transported the victim to hospital where he was treated for his injuries and later released.

Regardless of the neighbourhood that you are in, it is important to be alert in all situations and aware that crime can happen at any time. In June 2011, a man was stabbed in the neck in the Birchmount and Finch area. The stabbing was a result of an argument between the victim and the suspect. From CityNews Toronto:

A 35-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a stabbing inside a Scarborough highrise Wednesday afternoon. The 40-year-old victim was on the fifth floor of a building on Birchmount Road, at Finch Avenue East, when the accused allegedly stabbed him in the neck. The injured man was taken to Sunnybrook hospital in serious, but not life-threatening condition.

In May 2009, a man was shot in the parking lot of a shopping plaza near Finch and Kennedy. From CTV:

Shots rang out just before midnight Monday in a parking lot of a shopping plaza located on Finch Avenue, just east of Kennedy Road. A passerby saw a man stumble and fall near the railway tracks that are just east of the plaza. The passerby called police but by the time authorities arrived, the man was pulled into a silver Mini Cooper. The Mini Cooper that was seen transporting the victim has been located and has been searched by police. A suspect – a man in his twenties that is believed to have been inside the car – is in police custody. Police have also recovered a weapon. Authorities say they are investigating whether the gun battle that erupted between a two groups of men was caught on a surveillance camera that was set up in the plaza. Investigators say they found numerous shell casings in the parking lot.

As with the situation above, police officers typically use footage recorded by security cameras to identify suspects and determine what happened at the scene of a crime. This is powerful evidence that can be used to arrest, charge and prosecute suspects. In addition to home alarm systems and business alarm systems, video surveillance cameras are a vital piece of a security system.

Kingsview Village is a Toronto neighbourhood located in the city’s west end and the north end of the former City of Etobicoke. The neighbourhood boundaries are Highway 401 in the north and the west, Dixon Road in the south and the Humber River and St. Phillips Road in the west. There are a number of single family homes in the area as well as several high rise building. There are also several commercial areas including Westown Shopping Centre.

Kingsview Village Crime Statistics

In general there is an average amount of crime against people and crime against property in Kingsview Village. In the area bordered by Highway 401, Dixon Road and Kipling Avenue, there is an average of 11.6 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the region. There is an average of 17.68 crimes against property per 1000. Between Kipling Avenue, Highway 401, Dixon Road and Islington Avenue (including Kingview Park and Dixon Park) there is an average of 9.56 crimes against people and 12.57 crimes against property. East of Islington Avenue to the Humber River and St. Phillips Road, between Highway 401 and Dixon Road, there is an average of 5.84 crimes against people and 18.5 crimes against property.

Kingsview Village Crime

In June 2009 two men were injured in a shooting in the Kingsview Village neighbourhood. One person was killed. The other survived the shooting. Details from CTV:

One man is dead after an early-morning shooting in north Etobicoke on Sunday. The victim died in hospital late Sunday afternoon. He was rushed to the emergency room just before 5 a.m. after he was shot in the lobby of an apartment building on Dixon Road, near Kipling Avenue. Police say he was shot in the abdomen. Another person was also injured in the incident but police say his injuries are not life-threatening.

In June 2010 a woman was stabbed to death in the area. From CP24:

Emergency crews were called to an apartment building near Dixon Road and Kipling Avenue where they found a woman stabbed to death inside a unit at about 2:30 a.m.

In October 2010 an overnight shooting resulted in a man being shot in the abdomen. From The Star:

An 18-year-old man was shot in the abdomen on Sunday shortly after midnight. Police found the man suffering minor injuries in a plaza near Islington Ave. and Dixon Rd. The man was treated at hospital and later released. Police said he was not cooperating.

In March 2011 a man was shot in the head and killed in a Kingsview Village condominium. From the Toronto Sun:

The man gunned down in a north Etobicoke condominium highrise on the weekend was a 24-year-old visitor, Toronto homicide detectives revealed Monday. Police know his identity and an autopsy has been completed but his name and home area were not released. The dead man – the city’s 15th murder victim in 2011 – was found shot in the head in a heavily-bloodstained fourth-floor stairwell at 320 Dixon Rd. around 1:35 p.m. Sunday.

In August 2011 there was a shooting in the Kipling and Dixon area. From CityTV:

Yet another teenager was the target of gun violence this week after shots were fired in Etobicoke. A 19-year-old was taken to hospital after he was shot in the leg on Windsor Road, in the Kipling Avenue and Dixon Road area, around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday. Police are looking for suspects, who were apparently in a black Nissan Maxima.

Unfortunately, crime can take place in any area of the city and happen incredibly quickly. Protecting your home and your family with security services is important. For more information, please contact us.

Jane and Finch, also known as University Heights, is a Toronto neighbourhood located in northwestern North York. As the name suggests, it is centered around the intersection of Jane Street and Finch Avenue. The general borders of the area are Shoreham Drive in the north, Grandravine Drive in the south, Highway 400 in the west and Driftwood Avenue in the east. According to the Jane-Finch Street Involved Youth Issues Coalition in 2002, the Jane and Finch neighbourhood has “one of the highest proportions of youth, sole-supported families, refugees and immigrants, low-income earners and public housing tenants of any community in Toronto.” Unfortunately, this concentration means that there is crime in the area. The Jane and Finch neighbourhood is one of the Toronto neighbourhoods with the most property crime. In the area between Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue, from Finch Avenue south to Grandravine Drive, there is an average of 23.55 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 37.72 crimes against property per 1000. West of Jane Street to Oakdale Road, from Finch Avenue to Eddystone Avenue, there is an average of 17.02 crimes against people per 1000 and 13.57 crimes against property. North of Finch, in the area surrounding Driftwood Park, there is an average of 20.45 crimes against people per 1000 and 19.55 crimes against property. Between Driftwood Avenue and Shoreham Drive but east of Jane Street, there is an average of 13.06 crimes against people and 20.14 crimes against property. The stretch between Jane Street and Gosford Boulevard, from Finch Avenue north to Steeles Avenue, has the highest concentration of property crime in the neighbourhood. There is an average of 15.86 crimes against people but there are 57.77 crimes against property per 1000 living and working in the neighborhood. West of Gosford Boulevard to Highway 400, between Steeles and Finch, there is an average of 8.75 crimes against people and 14.26 crimes against property per 1000. In November 2011 two teenagers were shot outside of a school in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood. Apparently the gunman was waiting for another man to exit a building. When the victim stepped outside, he was shot. A 14-year-old girl was also shot in the attack, but she was not the primary target. From the Globe and Mail:

Witnesses said the incident appeared to have been an ambush directed at the man as he walked out of the Oakdale Community Centre, directly across the street from the school on Grandravine Drive. The gunman was said to have first fired from a parked car before getting out, running toward the fallen victim and firing again several times. As he went back to his the car, he turned and fired at two 14-year-old girls who were nearby, hitting one in the leg. She was not the “primary target,” Insp. Carter said, but it was unclear what connection, if any, she had to the first victim.

In October 2011, a man was shot and killed in the Jane and Finch area. From the Toronto Star:

One man was killed and another was injured in a shooting near Jane St. and Finch Ave. W early Saturday morning. Police said multiple gunshots rang out near 32 Tobermory Dr. around 2 a.m. and several men were seen running away. When police arrived, they found one man who had been shot dead. Another man showed up at the Finch Ave. site of the Humber River Regional hospital with gunshot wounds around 2:30 a.m. Police said they believe he was also involved in the same shooting. His injuries are non-life threatening.

In May 2011, a woman was shot in the leg during a drive-by shooting. Also from the Toronto Star:

A woman has been rushed to hospital after being shot in the leg in a drive-by shooting in Toronto’s Jane and Finch area. In what police called a “double drive-by” — the two cars involved were both moving at the time — shots were fired from one moving vehicle into the other near the intersection of Gosford Blvd. and Secroft Cres. The woman’s injuries are not considered life-threatening, police said.

Another shooting took place in the area on the same day. From the Toronto Sun:

A man in his 40s is recovering after a shooting in the Jane-Finch area late Tuesday. Toronto Police said two groups of men outside an apartment building on Marsh Grass Way were involved in an argument when shots rang out around 11:30 p.m. The victim was rushed to Sunnybrook hospital with wounds to his torso and leg. He is expected to survive.

Humewood–Cedarvale is a Toronto neighbourhood that is also known as “The Woods” or separately as the unique neighbourhoods of Humewood and Cedarvale. It is located in the former York section of Toronto. The boundaries of Humewood-Cedarvale are Eglinton Avenue in the north, St. Clair Avenue in the south, Bathurst Street in the east and Winnett Avenue in the west. Humewood-Cedarvale is primarily a residential neighbourhood, with many single-family homes. However, there are also a number of small businesses including restaurants, cafes and bars. Most of these are located along Eglinton Avenue and St. Clair Avenue. North of Cedarvale Park to Eglinton and east to Bathurst, there is an average of 3.62 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area. There is an average of 9.53 crimes against property. In the area west of Cedarvale Park to Winnett Avenue and south to Vaughan Road, there is an average of 6.11 crimes against people and 11.24 crimes against property. South of Vaughan Road to St. Clair, including Humewood Park, there is an average of 3.88 crimes against people and 14.73 crimes against property. In February 2008 a woman was attacked and sexually assaulted as she stepped off of a bus in the St. Clair Avenue and Vaughan Road area. From the Toronto Star:

A 29-year-old man has been charged with sexual assault for allegedly attacking a woman after she got off a TTC bus. The incident occurred around 12:35 a.m. Tuesday, near Bathurst St. and St. Clair Ave. W., as the woman got off the bus and walked along Vaughan Rd., police say. The victim was chased down, confined and sexually assaulted after she made eye contact with someone across the road, according to police.

In August 2008 a man was stabbed in the Eglinton Avenue and Bathurst Street area. Also from the Toronto Star:

A man had just left a variety store in the Eglinton and Bathurst area when a man approached him and started stabbing him in the back with a pen. Police arrested a suspect, believed to be responsible for the stabbing at the library as well, a short time later, said Olsen. The victim did not require medical attention.

The police stated that the attack was unprovoked. Both of these crime show how innocent people can suddenly become victims of crime. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself safe. The first thing you can do is to be aware of your surroundings at all time. If you notice that someone is following you, if you feel uneasy about your surroundings or if you believe that you are in danger for any reason, trust your instincts and get away from your current location as soon as possible. If you have a cell phone, call a friend as soon as you feel uneasy. If anything does happen to you, your friend will immediately know and he or she can call for help. If you are traveling late at night or in an unfamiliar area, it often helps to travel with another person. Criminals will frequently avoid attacking two people walking together as this is more difficult. If you are attacked, scream loudly in order to attraction the attention those around you. Do everything you can to avoid being taken to a second location by a criminal. For more information on safety and security, consider subscribing to the SafeTech Alarm Systems Peace of Mind newsletter. This newsletter contains important tips on how you can protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim.

Humberwood is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the former City of Etobicoke. The neighbourhood boundaries are Highway 427 in the west, Highway 27 in the east, Rexdale Boulevard in the south and Humberline Drive, Humber College Blvd and Finch Avenue in the north. It is located in the northwestern edge of Etobicoke. Humberwood Centre is one of the most notable places in the region. It is an integrated, mixed-use facility that includes a Catholic school, a junior middle school, a public library, a child development centre and a parks and recreation centre, community hall and community centre.

Humberwood Crime Rates

Humberwood has an average amount of crime and the crime rates in the region are similar to those of the surrounding neighbourhoods. The crime rate is relatively average for the City of Toronto. In the area south of the Humber River to Rexdale Boulevard, between Highway 27 and Highway 427, there is an average of 3.96 crimes against people and 20.84 crimes against property. North of the Humber River there is an average of 7.04 crimes against people and 11.18 crimes against property.

Humberwood Crime

In August 2008 a man was shot in a drive-by shooting in the Finch and 427 area. From Parent Central:

A man is in hospital after being shot in the shoulder in a drive-by shooting in the city’s northwest end. The victim was shot at around 5:50 p.m. as he sat in his car on Channing Place, a residential area north of Etobicoke’s William Osler Health Centre, near Finch Ave W. and Highway 27. Witnesses said they saw the passenger of a dark red or purple Chrysler Intrepid fire three or four shots at the victim, while heading south down Channing Place. The victim, who is in his twenties, was hit in the left shoulder and was taken to Sunnybrook hospital in serious condition.

In November 2010, two people were injured in a shooting that also took place in the Finch and 427 area. From 680 News:

Two people were injured following a Saturday morning shooting in the Finch 427 area, Peel Regional Police confirmed. Gunfire rang out at an after hours club on Brandon Gate. One person remains in critical condition with a bullet wound to the back; the second victim was shot in the leg. A suspect was taken into custody.

In July 2009, a home in Humberwood was invaded and the family inside was threatened and extorted. From the Toronto Star:

An Etobicoke family is recovering after a terrifying home invasion during which they were tied up and threatened with death early Thursday morning. Up to five burglars stormed into an apartment on 700 Humberwood Blvd. around 4 a.m. and demanded $70,000 cash from the two adults, who were tied up with their baby. The family was told they would be killed if the money wasn’t delivered to the suspects by the end of the day. Following the attack, the culprits headed to a housing complex on Rowntree Rd. to pick up the money.

Home invasions are terrifying and can often lead to serious injury or death. In order to protect your home and your family, you need to have a strong security system in place. You must make sure that all of your doors and windows lock securely and that the locks, door and window frames and the doors and windows themselves cannot be easily broken. Bars and gates can provide this extra protection. In addition, home alarm systems should secure all entrances, not just doors on the ground floor. A centrally monitored alarm system will be able to alert the police of the situation even if you are unable to speak, which sometimes is the case during a home invasion. Video surveillance cameras are also great tools for deterring criminals as well as for providing evidence of criminal activity. Centrally monitored video cameras can be used in conjunction with a centrally monitored alarm system to allow the monitoring station to identify the type of crime taking place before quickly dispatching police. In the Humberwood invasion situation, nearby residents were shocked that this type of violent crime could occur in their neighbourhood. From CityNews:

Humberwood resident John Chambers says it’s unusual to have something like this happen in that location. “It’s a really nice building and when you see stuff like this, it puts a stigma on the building,” he stated.

It is important to remember that crime can unfortunately take place at any time in any neighbourhood. Protecting yourself with a high quality alarm system is a great way to keep yourself save should the unfortunate occur. For more information on how you can keep you and your family safe, please contact our loss prevention experts.

High Park (sometimes called High Park North) is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located near the Toronto park of the same name. High Park is a 161 hectare park located west of downtown Toronto. It is the largest park that is entirely within the City of Toronto. The High Park neighbourhood is located just north of the actual park itself, which is why it is sometimes known as the neighbourhood of “High Park North.” The neighbourhood’s southern boundary is Bloor Street West. The northern boundary is located along Annette Street. High Park North stretches to Runnymede Road in the west and Quebec Avenue in the east. Generally crime in the area is somewhat low, especially considering that it is located in a large city like Toronto. High Park North is a very peaceful neighbourhood and is home to many families. People from around the city are drawn to the neighbourhood due to the large park. However, as it is a downtown Toronto neighbourhood, High Park North unfortunately does sees some crime. The park itself is sometimes the scene, but the neighbouring homes and businesses can become targets as well in some instances. As for the High Park crime rate, there is an average of 6.35 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 13.17 crimes against property per 1000. As mentioned earlier, sometimes crimes take place within the park itself. However, nearby residents should note that rarely do criminals have defined boundaries. They often have no problem crossing from a park into the nearby homes, especially if they feel that they will be able to strike local houses. It is always important to arm your security system and verify that all aspects of your home alarm system are functioning correctly. In June 2011 a 23-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in High Park itself during the daytime. From CBC News:

The assault occurred at around 1:45 p.m. Thursday near Grenadier Pond at the western edge of the busy park. A 23-year-old woman was walking alone in the area when she was grabbed by a man and sexually assaulted, police said in a release.

This was not the first assault to take place in the park. In 2009, a woman was kidnapped and driven to the park where she was sexually assaulted. From the Toronto Star:

Police are searching for three suspects they say kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 25-year-old woman in High Park. At 1:30 a.m. today the woman was walking on Eglinton Rd. W. near Dufferin St. when three men forced her into a black vehicle. Police said they drove her to High Park, where the men sexually assaulted her. The woman managed to escape and alerted police. She provided descriptions of the three men.

In addition to these terrible crimes, several thefts have taken place in the area, including bicycle thefts. In 2007, Toronto Police issued a statement regarding a series of “swarming” robberies that were taking place in High Park and the surrounding area. From the release:

High Park is visited by many residents and tourists during the summer months. Most have a safe and pleasant experience. However over recent weeks there have been several reports to 11 Division of groups of youths or young adults “swarming” other youths. The items stolen during these swarmings are usually bicycles, ipods and wallets. It should be remembered that this type of crime can happen in any place that has secluded areas even on a quiet street in your neighbourhood. Several arrests have been made related to these crimes. Police presence in High Park has also recently increased in conjunction with a public awareness campaign related to these crimes.

As noted in the release, quiet neighbourhoods can be hit by criminals just like any other neighbourhood. This is an unfortunate fact of like. Some criminals actually prefer to strike in quiet neighbourhoods or parks where they may not be noticed easily. Since fewer people are around, there is a chance for criminals to commit their crimes without being spotted. A way to counteract this is to install video security cameras both in your home and outside in order to view your property. Video surveillance is incredibly powerful and an excellent way to catch criminals in the act. Video security cameras also act as a deterrent. Criminals who do not want to be caught will frequently avoid areas where their actions could be recorded.

Grange Park is a downtown Toronto neighbourhood. Its boundaries include College Street in the north, Queen Street in the south, Spadina Avenue in the west and University Avenue in the east. The neighbourhood is primarily a residential one with many single family homes. Many students of the nearby Ontario College of Art and Design live in the Grange Park neighbourhood. There are also a number of commercial businesses in the area. Some Chinatown businesses extend into the Grange Park neighbourhood as well. The Art Gallery of Ontario is also located in Grange Park. There are three subway stations in the neighbourhood: Queen’s Park Station, St. Patrick Station and Osgoode Station. In the area bordered by College Street, Dundas Street, Spadina Avenue and University Avenue, there is an average of 5.84 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 24.22 crimes against property per 1000. In the area bordered by Dundas Street, Queen Street, Spadina Avenue and University Avenue, there is an average of 7.23 crimes against people and 31.03 crime against property per 1000 living and working in the region. In September 2009, Toronto Police received a series of complaints about a man peering into windows in the Grange Park neighbourhood. From the Toronto Star:

Police are looking for a man in connection to a series of complaints of a peeping Tom in the Grange Park area. Police believe a single suspect is behind incidents involving a prowler lurking outside windows on ground and upper floors, sometimes using ladders left outside or neighbouring buildings such as garages to peek inside homes on Henry St. near Dundas St. W. and Beverley St.

Often criminals will stake out a house in advance before committing crimes. It is important that you report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities as soon as you notice it. Installing motion-activated lighting around your property and having lights installed above windows and doors will deter criminals from approaching your home and make it easier for you to spot them if they do. In May 2011 a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted after entering a cab in Grange Park. From CityTV Toronto:

The alleged incident happened around midnight. Authorities said a woman got into an “unknown” taxi in the Dundas and Spadina area and was sexually assaulted in the Bernard and Brunswick Avenues area.

In September 2006 a man was stabbed in the Spadina and Dundas area. Also from CityTV:

A young man was seriously wounded Saturday night in a stabbing at Spadina and Dundas. The 20-year-old victim was rushed to St. Mike’s around 6pm and is expected to survive. The attack happened outside a bank and police haven’t been able to talk to the victim yet

When you are using a bank machine or leaving a bank, pay special attention to those around you and do not carry large amounts of cash if you can avoid doing so. In January 2009 a man was shot inside Osgoode Subway station. From the Toronto Star:

Subway service has resumed along the University-Spadina line, but trains are bypassing Osgoode station as police continue to investigate the shooting of a 19-year-old man earlier today… Just before 11 a.m., a fight broke out between a group of people who were exiting the subway. At least three shots were fired on the central platform and police say the fight continued to the mezzanine level before the victim collapsed. When police arrived, they found the 19-year-old man suffering from two gunshot wounds, one to his stomach and one to his thigh. Ferguson said one witness, a woman, stayed with the victim after he was shot.

Police used video surveillance footage to identify the shooter, according to Canoe.ca:

Surveillance footage shared with the media showed the alleged gunman walking calmly out of the subway station clad in a Blue Jays hat, with his hand in a pocket of his dark, fur-trimmed parka.

Security cameras are vital tools that can be used by police officers in a number of ways. The footage is often one of the first thing police ask for when they arrive at a crime scene. In addition to using the footage to determine what has occurred and who was involved, the evidence can be used in trial as well. For more information on how security cameras can protect you, please visit our security cameras page.

The Garden District is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in downtown Toronto. It is named after Allan Gardens which is located nearby. The boundaries of the neighbourhood are Carlton Street in the north and Queen Street in the south. Sherbourne Street is the eastern boundary and Yonge Street is the western boundary. Some consider the area north of Carlton (and possibly as far north as Wellesley Street) to be part of the Garden District. There are many well-known institutions in the neighbourhood including St. Michael’s Hospital, Ryerson University, Yonge-Dundas Square, the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres, the Canon Theatre and more. It also includes a mix of housing, from single-family homes to large condominiums. Unfortunately, as this is a very busy neighbourhood, there is crime in the Garden District. According to the Toronto Star, parts of this area are the most crime-plagued in the city:

the downtown Dundas and Sherbourne Sts. corridor ranks first in virtually every category of violent crime, based on sheer volume and crime per square kilometre, according to documents obtained by the Star. In street robberies, assault-related offences and what police call “violent calls for service” (which encompasses shootings, stabbings, a person with a knife or gun, and sex attacks) the six downtown blocks south of Allan Gardens top every list.

The area bordered by Queen, Dundas, Jarvis and Parliament is one of the Toronto neighbourhoods with the most property crime. In the area from Carlton to Queen, between Yonge Street and Jarvis Street, there is an average of 7.53 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area. There is an average of 31.31 crimes against property per 1000. From Jarvis Street west to Parliament Street and from Carlton to Dundas, there is an average of 28.23 crimes against people per 1000 and 49.85 crimes against property. South of Dundas to Queen, still between Jarvis and Parliament, there is an average of 20.81 crimes against people and 45.94 crimes against property. This area is slightly larger than what is typically described as the Garden District, but it provides a good overview of crime in the area. In August 2010, a man was shot in the Gerrard Street and Sherbourne Street area. From the Toronto Sun:

A man in his 20s is in hospital after gun shots rang out around Sherbourne and Gerrard Sts. early Friday. Toronto Police got the first report of shots being fired around 3:20 a.m. Police said a man turned up with gun shot wounds at a nearby hospital while officers were still searching for the source of the shots. Const. Tony Vella said the man has non-life-threatening injuries.

More recently, in July 2011, a man was stabbed in the back near Dundas and Sherbourne. From CityTV:

A 45-year-old man is in hospital after he was stabbed in the back early Sunday morning. It happened around 5 a.m. near Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Street. The man was taken to St. Michael’s Hospital and is expected to survive.

Another stabbing took place nearby in April 2009. From the Toronto Sun:

An argument between two men in a downtown highrise today ended with both in the same hospital – one in surgery after suffering multiple knife wounds, the other for head stitches. Toronto Police in 51 Division said the pair, both in their 30s and known to each other, got into an argument on the lower level of a highrise building on Sherbourne St. north of Dundas St. around 3 p.m. After one man had his head cut open from a swung beer bottle that broke, the other was slashed repeatedly, police said.

Another stabbing took place in the neighbourhood in 2009, this time at Yonge and Dundas. From the Toronto Star:

A 25-year-old man was stabbed in the lower back during a concert at Yonge-Dundas Square. The man was with his girlfriend in a crowd of about 2,000 people at the North By Northeast festival concert just before 9 p.m. when a stranger apparently threw something at the woman. The boyfriend chased the suspect through the crowd. When he came back, his girlfriend noticed he was bleeding. Police would not say what led to the stabbing.

Also in Dundas Square, a man was attacked with a chair in the public space in 2011. From CityTV:

A man could lose one of his eyes following an alleged attacked in Yonge-Dundas Square Wednesday morning. The 58-year-old victim was hit with a metal chair just before 6 a.m. He was rushed to hospital with a serious eye injury. The attack happened in the north end of the square. Police cordoned the area off for their investigation for just over an hour after the assault. Toronto Police said both men involved live on the street and they got into an argument over money. A suspect was arrested shortly after. A security guard apparently apprehended the 40-year-old man.

Security guards are an excellent way to protect people and property at special events. From more information on SafeTech’s security guard services please visit our website or contact us today.

This is Forest Hill crime report is part of our series of Toronto neighbourhood crime reports. Forest Hill is a Toronto neighbourhood known for its rather large single family homes and affluent families. It is typically split into two regions: Forest Hill North and Forest Hill South. The boundaries of Forest Hill North are Briar Hill Avenue in the north and Eglinton Avenue in the south. The eastern border is Latimer Avenue and Allen Road and Marlee Avenue make up the western border. Forest Hill South is, predictably, just south of Forest Hill North. Its boundaries are Eglinton Avenue in the North and Tichester Road in the south. Bathurst Street is the western boundary while Elmsthorpe Road, Avenue Road and Oriole Parkway make up the east boundary. While Forest Hill is lucky enough to have a low amount of crime against people, the neighbourhood has an average rate of crimes against property.

Forest Hill Crime Report Statistics

For crime statistics, Forest Hill is broken up into several regions. The eastern part of North Forest Hill has an average of 2.32 crimes against people per 1,000 people and 16.29 crimes against property. The western region has 4.04 crimes against people and 12.49 crimes against property. In Forest Hill South, the eastern area has 3.14 crimes against people and 14.6 crimes against property. The west only has 1.32 crimes against people, but 11.19 crimes against property per 1,000. The rate of property crime in Forest Hill is generally average for the City of Toronto. However, due to the large homes in the area and the fact that there are many valuable properties in Forest Hill, the area is often a target for sophisticated robbers who are hoping for a big heist. Perhaps the most infamous Forest Hill robbery took place in November 2008 when the home of the wealthy Bronfman family was robbed. Thieves entered a second-floor window and stole a 200-pound safe from the home. In total, 59 pieces of jewellery was stolen as well as an unknown amount of cash. The criminals were able to open the safe with a hammer and a crowbar. Among the items stolen were earrings, chokers, diamonds, sapphires and two Stanley Cup rings from the 1974 and 1976 champion Montreal Canadiens. A two-carat diamond worth $350,000 was also stolen. Some speculated that the safe used to store the items was too small and and that a larger, heavier safe that would be more difficult to move should have been used for such valuables. Unfortunately, this is not the only robbery to take place in the area. More information on recent crimes was found when doing research for our Forest Hill Crime Report. Between September and November 2010 police estimate that over 120 homes have been struck by burglars. Some homes have been hit several times. One house on Russell Hill Road was robbed a substantial amount of property, including of over $100,000 of Israeli gold bullion. Another home was hit for over $61,000 of jewellery including watches, earrings, necklaces and diamonds. Police asked residents and others in the region to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. Toronto police Constable Roy Rawluk said that “there’s a problem with break and enters” in the area due to the large amount of valuables that are stored in homes. A Bronfman family private investigator, Mark Mendelson, stated that Forest Hill gets hit by a break-in most every day. Many of these break-ins are carried out by sophisticated robbers who target homes. The police stressed that anyone who is keeping valuables in their home should store them in a strong, heavy safe with a reliable lock and that they should “create barriers” in their home by locking all doors with secure dead bolt locks. Security tips are an key part of this Forest Hill Crime Report. Being safe with your property is incredibly important. This is a crucial takeaway from this Forest Hill Crime Report. If you are not properly locking your doors with dead bolt locks and if you are leaving valuables out in the open or areas that are not secure, you are putting your property at risk. It is important to always ensure that all entry points to a home are locked securely. This includes all doors and and windows as well as the garage. Second-floor and basement windows must also be protected as criminals often use these as entry points. Having bars or gates on these windows will reduce the risk of a break-in. Equipping your home with a monitored alarm system as well as a monitored security camera system are important as well. Not only do security cameras ask as a deterrent, but they will also record the criminals in the act. This will make apprehending and punishing these criminals easier and faster.

Flemingdon Park is a Toronto neighbourhood located in the former City of North York. Its northern boundary is Eglinton Avenue and its eastern, western and southern boundaries are all the Don River. Flemingdon Park is mostly filled with commercial offices and apartments, though there are now several newer single-family homes being built in the area. There is also a great deal of parkland in the neighbourhood, including Flemingdon park itself. In the area south of Eglinton but north of St. Dennis Drive, there is an average of 4.19 crimes against people per 1000 and an average of 6 crimes against property per 1000. South of St. Dennis drive and north of the actual Flemingdon Park, there is an average of 12.35 crimes against people and 18.74 crimes against property. South of Flemingdon Park to the Don Valley Parkway, there are 6.09 crimes against people per 1000 and 8.36 crimes against property. Like all Toronto neighbourhoods, there is crime in Flemingdon Park. In January 2009 police were called to a Flemingdon Park apartment building after shots were fired. From Canoe.ca:

Cops were called to Flemingdon Park after shots rang out at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Toronto Police Const. Wendy Drummond said. One man was found injured in front of Liu’s building, while a second victim showed up in hospital. Both were treated for non life-threatening gunshot wounds. The men, 23 and 33 years old, were walking from the neighbourhood recreation centre to 45 Grenoble Dr. when a male “dressed all in black” walked up to them and began firing, Drummond said.

In June of 2009, a man was assaulted and shot in the leg on St. Denis Drive, near Eglinton Avenue and the Don Valley Parkway. He was chased by two men, beaten and shot in the leg. According to the Toronto Star, “it’s not clear exactly what caused the pair to shoot the man.” It may have been a botched robbery, a fight or another type of altercation. It’s important to remember that crime can occur almost anywhere at any time, even at a schools. Most parents assume that their children are relatively safe while they are at school, but this is unfortunately not always true. In March of 2010, three students were arrested at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute after they attacked another student with a stun gun. A report from Global News describes the crime:

Const. Wendy Drummond said three students allegedly rushed the 19-year-old victim in an open hallway of the Flemingdon Park high school around noon. He then fell to the ground where he was kicked, punched and shocked with the stun gun causing minor burns on his leg. The suspects, all between 19 and 21 years old, fled the scene, but were chased and arrested by the police’s school resource officer. Police seized a stun gun and brass knuckles during the arrest. However, it is unclear whether the latter was used during the assault.

The wide variety of crimes that have taken place in Flemingdon Park and throughout the City of Toronto show us that security needs to be a priority at all times in all areas. Whether you are inside a home, on the street, in a school or in any other location, it is very important to focus on security and security services. SafeTech Alarm System has the technology and the expertise to protect people and property. We’ve been installing home alarm systems, commercial alarm systems, security cameras, bars and gates and other security system components for over 20 years. Fore more information on SafeTech Alarm Systems and help on how you can protect your property, your family and your belongings, please contact us today. One of our loss prevention experts will be more than happy to discuss your security options with you.

Eglinton East is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the former Scarborough region of the city. As the name suggests it is located along Eglinton Avenue in the east end of Toronto. The neighbourhood’s boundaries are Eglinton Avenue and the CNR Railway tracks east of Brimley Road in the south, Stansbury Crescent, Citadel Drive and West Highland Creek in the north, Midland Avenue in the west and Bellamy Road North to the east. The neighbourhood is sometimes also known as Eglinton East Scarborough. It is a primarily residential area with a number of apartment buildings.

Eglinton East Crime Rates

In the area bordered by Stansbury Crescent, Citadel Drive, Brimley Road, Eglinton Avenue and Midland Avenue, there is an average of 14.58 crimes against people and 22.42 crimes against property per 1000 people living and working in the region. The area bordered by West Highland Creek in the north, Brimley Road in the west, Eglinton Avenue, Danforth Road and Trudelle Street in the south and McCowan Road in the east, there is an average of 14.87 crimes against people and 25.47 crimes against property. In the area south of Danforth Road and Trudelle Street to the CNR Railway tracks, between Brimley and McCowan, there is an average of 8.16 crimes against people and 17.02 crimes against property. In the area east of McCowan Road to Bellamy Road, between West Highland Creek  and the CNR Railway Tracks, there is an average of 7.99 crimes against people and 15.72 crimes against property.

Eglinton East Crime

In October 2011 a man was stabbed in the Eglinton and Midland area. From City TV:

A man was stabbed in the torso in the city’s east end on Monday morning. Jean Vanier Catholic secondary school was placed in hold-and-secure mode as police searched for a female suspect, said to be about 25 years old. Officers were called to 31 Gilder Dr., near Midland and Eglinton avenues, around 10 a.m. when the stabbing victim called 911 after being knifed.

In March 2011 a man was shot and killed in a bar in the Eglinton and Midland area. From CBC News:

The shooting happened just after 2:20 a.m. ET at G’s Chill & Grill, a bar on Eglinton Avenue East near Midland Avenue. Police responded to a 911 call and found Cliffington Ford, a 38-year-old father of 10, dead of gunshot wounds inside the bar. Many patrons fled the packed bar after the shooting, but some stayed and provided information, police said.

In February 2011 a man was stabbed in the Brimley and Eglinton area. He actually walked home before calling police. From City TV:

Police are investigating after a man walked home when he was stabbed in Scarborough Friday night. The victim called police from his home on Danforth Avenue shortly before 10pm, but was actually stabbed somewhere else in the Brimley Road and Eglinton Avenue area. He was taken to Sunnybrook hospital, but the extent of his injuries is not yet known.

A man was shot in the head near Eglinton and Midland in November 2009. He survived the shooting. From CP24:

The shooting took place at 136 Benjamin Blvd. shortly before 3 p.m. Police received reports that a person had been shot and was lying on the ground, bleeding from the forehead, says Const. Tony Vella. The victim was conscious and breathing with a faint pulse, while he was transported to Sunnybrook hospital, according to Toronto Emergency Medical Services. He is believed to be in his twenties and is expected to survive.

Another man was wounded in a separate shooting near McCowan and Eglinton. This shooting took place in February 2009. From the Toronto Star:

Police are looking for up to three suspects following an early morning shooting. Police were called to a housing complex on McCowan Rd., north of Eglinton Ave. E., around 12:45 a.m. after reports of gunfire. One man was found suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to Sunnybrook hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

As always, it is important to consider the crime for an entire region of the city rather than just looking at crime in one particular area. Criminals do not stop at arbitrary boundaries and crime can take place at any time in any area of the city. For more information on how you can protect yourself, please contact us.

Eatonville is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the Etobicoke area of the city. It is home to the Etobicoke Civic Centre. The area is also known as “Etobicoke West Mall.” Highway 427 cuts through the middle of the Eatonville neighbourhood. The neighbourhood’s boundaries are Rathburn Road and Burnhamthorpe Road in the north, Dundas Street in the south, Renforth Drive and Neilson Park in the west and Kipling Avenue and Echo Valley Park in the east.

Eatonville, Toronto Crime Statistics

In the area west of Highway 427 and south of Burnhamthorpe Road, there is an average of 4.12 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 12.12 crimes against property per 1000. East of Highway 427 to Martin Grove Road, between Burnhamthorpe Road and Bloor Street, there is an average of 4.76 crimes against people and 16.76 crimes against property. North of Burnhamthorpe Road to Rathburn Road, still between Highway 427 and Martin Grove Road, there is an average of 5.22 crimes against people and 12.66 crimes against property. West of Martin Grove Road to Kipling Avenue, between Rathburn Road and Bloor Street West, there is an average of 2.68 crimes against people and 11.48 crimes against property. South of Bloor Street, between Kipling and Highway 427, there is an average of 3.28 crimes against people and 28.11 crimes against property per 1000.

Eatonville, Toronto Crime

In January 2009, a man was shot a number of times near Highway 427 and Rathburn Road. From the Toronto Star:

A 24-year-old man is in hospital after suffering multiple gunshot wounds in Etobicoke early this morning. Emergency officials were called to The West Mall near Holiday Dr., southwest of Hwy. 427 and Rathburn Rd., just after 1 a.m., said Staff Sgt. Andrew Johnstone. They found the man with wounds to his chest, back and arm. EMS staff rushed him to St. Michael’s Hospital. Police say the victim and his friends were involved in an altercation with a group of five men who were in a five-door Honda Accord. One of the group brandished a handgun, chased the victim and shot him.

In May 2009, a man was found dead inside a home near Martin Grove and Burnhamthorpe. From the Toronto Sun:

On Wednesday, Toronto Police found the body of Tony Colantonio inside his Westglen Cres. home, near Martin Grove and Burnhamthorpe Rds., just after 11 a.m. The death was initially classified as suspicious, but yesterday morning was upgraded to a homicide until the afternoon post-mortem. Homicide Det.-Sgt. Gary Giroux said police and pathologists will meet today to discuss the possibility that Colantonio wasn’t murdered.

The death was later ruled a murder. Also in May 2009, three people were shot near The West Mall. From Inside Toronto:

Approximately four intruders dressed in dark clothing opened fire on a birthday party on The West Mall just south of Rathburn Road, and sent six people to hospital. Three victims — one shot in the face, another in the back — were in critical condition, but have been upgraded to serious condition.

In October 2011 a man was shot and killed near Rathburn Road and Highway 427. From the Toronto Star:

Police are seeking the public’s assistance after a double shooting in Etobicoke left one man dead and another in serious condition. Nigel Caine, 20, was found suffering from gunshot wounds on the front lawn of a home on Monet Avenue near Rathburn Road and Highway 427 just after midnight on Friday. Caine died of his injuries in hospital. Another victim, a 19-year-old man remains in hospital in serious condition. Police said they had received a call about gunfire on Crendon Drive, a nearby street. Toronto EMS said that one man was shot in the head and the other was shot in the back.

East Danforth is a neighbourhood located in the former East York area of the City of Toronto. It is located along Danforth Avenue, as the name suggests.  The neighbourhood’s western boundary is Greenwood Avenue and its eastern boundary is Victoria Park Avenue. To the north is the Old East York neighbourhood and the southern boundary is defined by railway tracks. In terms of crime in the East Danforth neighbourhood, the crime rates are relatively average for the City of Toronto. South of Danforth Avenue to the railway tracks, between Greenwood Avenue and Coxwell Avenue, there is an average of 12.75 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area. There is an average of 21.58 crimes against property. East of Coxwell Avenue to Victoria Park Avenue, still between Danforth Avenue and the railway tracks, there is an average of 9.64 crimes against people and 22.07 crimes against property. North of Danforth, between Coxwell Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue, there is an average of 15.44 crimes against people and 35.22 crimes against property. Between Coxwell Avenue and Greenwood Avenue there is 14.71 crimes against people and 33.92 crimes against property. The Danforth and Victoria Park area is one of the Toronto areas with the most property crime. In August of 2009 a shot was fired outside of Coxwell subway station near Danforth and Coxwell. From CityTV:

According to reports, one shot was fired, and luckily no one was hurt. Police still aren’t sure what precipitated the shooting, which took place at the height of rush hour. Witnesses say they saw a gunman pull a chain from another man’s neck before the gun went off.

In August 2010, there was gunfire outside of another nearby subway station. This time it was near Victoria Park station near Danforth and Victoria Park.  From CTV News:

The shots rang out on a walkway which connects Victoria Park subway station to a nearby apartment building. The walkway is often busy with commuters, but it appears that passersby were not injured. Police said that two men were injured in the shooting, though it’s expected both will survive.

However, it is not just nearby subway stations. In April 2011 a man was taken to hospital after he was assaulted near Coxwell and Danforth. From CP24:

Police say two males got into an altercation on Coxwell Avenue at about 2:30 a.m., resulting one of them being transported to hospital with serious injuries. Police say a weapon was recovered but it’s not known if the weapon was used in the assault.

In June 2011 a man with a gun fired several shots near Danforth and Ladysmith Avenue, which is about a block east of Greenwood Avenue. Also from CP24:

Officers were called to the area of Danforth Avenue and Ladysmith Avenue, about a block east of Greenwood Avenue, shortly before 1:30 a.m. Police found shell casings at the scene, but the people who were involved in the dispute were gone. Officers soon learned from witnesses that there was a fight in a bar near the intersection that spilled onto the sidewalk. The situation soon escalated to the point where someone fired several gunshots, police said.

In July 2011 a teenager was stabbed repeatedly near Danforth and Greenwood by another teenager. From the National Post:

The attack occurred around 10:30 a.m., and was motivated by robbery. The attacker stole the victim’s cell phone, then fled the scene. A passerby saw the wounded teen on Lamb Avenue and called police; when officers arrived, the student was without vital signs. He was rushed to hospital. “His injuries are bad, but he will live,” said Officer Wahid Khan of Toronto Police at the scene.

Dufferin Grove is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located west of downtown Toronto. The boundaries of this neighbourhood are Bloor Street in the north, Dundas Street in the south, Ossington Avenue in the east and Dufferin Avenue in the west. The neighbourhood is a mix of residential homes and commercial space. The main green space in the area is Dufferin Grove Park.

Dufferin Grove Crime Statistics

In the area bordered by Bloor Street, College Street, Ossington Avenue and Dovercourt Road, there is an average of 6.74 crimes against people and 18.82 crimes against property. South of College to Dundas Street, between Ossington and Dovercourt, there is an average of 6.5 crimes against people and 25.07 crimes against property. In the area bordered by Bloor Street, College Street, Dovercourt Road and Dufferin Street, including Duffering Grove Park, there is an average of 11.47 crimes against people and 49.21 crimes against property. This region is one of the Toronto areas with the most property crime. South of College to Dundas, between Dovercourt and Dufferin, there is an average of 5.69 crimes against people and 18.03 crimes against property. In November 2011 a body was found inside an SUV near Dufferin Grove Park. From the National Post:

Toronto Police blocked off Dewson Street in a leafy neighbourhood near Dufferin Grove Park at about 9 a.m. Wednesday after a body was discovered in a Nissan Pathfinder. The death is being treated as suspicious. Homicide detectives soon arrived on scene, peering into the parked SUV from the passenger side, as well as half a dozen police cars and an ambulance.

In July 2011 a man was shot near Dufferin and Bloor. From CTV News:

A 20-year-old man was shot in the hand and backside near the basketball courts at Dufferin Grove Park, near Dufferin and Bloor Streets, around 10:20 p.m. He was rushed to St. Michael’s Hospital with injuries that are considered not life-threatening. Police say two men were having an argument when shots were fired. There were several witnesses to the incident but they are not being co-operative with investigators, police said.

Also in July 2011, two men were shot near Dufferin and College. From 680 News:

Toronto EMS confirm one man has been rushed to hospital tonight following a shooting near Dufferin & College. The incident happened around 10:25, with he victim was hit twice; once in the abdomen, the other in the buttocks.

In 2007 a teenage boy was stabbed in Dufferin Grove Park. From the National Post:

A 15-year-old boy was treated for a stab wound to the leg and bruising to his head yesterday following an assault in Dufferin Grove Park, in the city’s west end. Police were called to the Dufferin Street and Sylvan Avenue area around 4 p.m. after a fight broke out among students from a nearby high school. About 30 witnesses were questioned by police, but no suspects have been identified. Four boys were seen fleeing, police said. Gang rivalry is not suspected, police said.

It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times in order to stay safe and protect your property. There are a number of things you can do in order to make it easier to keep watch of your property. Motion-activated lighting around your home and your property as well as lighting above windows and doors will allow you to notice anyone acting suspicious in your area. Additional lighting also helps security cameras capture more detailed images. Surveillance footage from security cameras offers powerful evidence to police and other authorities. For more information on how you can keep your home, business and family safe, please contact one of SafeTech Alarm Systems’ loss prevention officials. We’ve been protecting people and property for over 20 years.

Downsview is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the former city of North York. It includes several large subdivisions as well as Downsview Airport and Downsview Park. The boundaries of the neighbourhood include Sheppard Avenue in the north, Highway 401 in the south, Highway 400 in the west and Allen Road in the east. There are a number of smaller regions within the Downsview neighbourhood. In the area bordered by Highway 401 in the south, Wilson Avenue in the north, Keele Street in the east and Jane Street in the west, there is an average of 8.22 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the region. There is an average of 16.27 crimes against property per 1000. North of Wilson, up until Calvington Drive, between Jane Street in the west and Roding Street, Ianhall Road and Agate Road in the east, there is an average of 11.62 crimes against people per 1000 and 18.83 crimes against property. The area bordered by Calvington Drive, Jane Street and Roding Street, but south of Downsview Dells, there is an average of 10.07 crimes against people and 14.21 crimes against property. North of Downsview Dells there is an average of 6.21 crimes against people and 10.22 crimes against property. In the area west of Jane Street to the 400, between Highway 401 and Sheppard Avenue, there is an average of 18.34 crimes against people and 44.88 crimes against property. This area is one of the Toronto neighbourhoods with the most property crime. East of Downsview Dells and Roding Street, north of Calvington and west of Keele Street, there is an average of 11.2 crimes against people and 17.4 crimes against property. South of Calvington to Wilson Avenue and across Keele to the area bordered by Stanley Green Park, Fredrick Tisdale Circle and Mount Sinai Memorial Park there is an average of 12.64 crimes against people and 30.46 crimes against property. The Downsview Park & Downsview Airport region have an average of 7.21 crimes against people and 25.29 crimes against property. South of the park there is an average of 6.44 crimes against people and 20.55 crimes against property. In the region southeast of the park, near the intersection of Allen Road and Wilson Avenue, there is an average of 5.59 crimes against people and 14.7 crimes against property. In July 2008 a teenager was stabbed in the Wilmington Ave. and Overbrook Pl. area. From the Toronto Star:

One youth was taken to Sunnybrook hospital with serious injuries after receiving a knife wound to his back. Another teen suffered minor injuries from the incident. The suspects were last seen heading southbound on Wilmington Ave. Police believe the stabbing may have been related to a swarming or robbery.

Another teenager was stabbed in the area in 2009 at Downsview Station. From CTV News:

A teenager is in hospital after being stabbed during a fight on the platform at Downsview subway station. Police were called there just before 4 p.m. They found a boy about 16 or 17, suffering from a knife wound to his face.

In August 2009 a shooting took place in the Sheppard and Jane area. From the Toronto Star:

Police said around 7 p.m. three males were standing outside a housing complex on Sheppard Ave. near Jane St. when a man across the street began making gestures at them. The suspect then opened fire, shooting six times across four lanes of traffic, said police. One victim, 18, was shot in the leg and taken to hospital but has been released.

In 2010 a man was murdered near Downsview Park following a Canada Day fireworks display. From CP24:

The murder took place outside a fried chicken and fish shop in a plaza near Downsview Park, where a Canada Day fireworks display was held Thursday night. Police say the plaza parking lot, near Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue, was packed with possibly thousands of people after the fireworks ended. There was a brief altercation and several shots rang out, says Toronto Police Const. Isabelle Cotton. An eyewitness said at least five shots were fired and many of the man’s friends scattered

In August 2011 a woman was murdered in her apartment near Keele and Sheppard. From CityTV:

Officers were called to an apartment at 25 Seeley Dr. in the Keele and Sheppard area of Downsview around 12:30 a.m. Saturday where they found 25-year-old Pamela Ariza suffering from a fatal gunshot wound to the back. Another woman was shot in the knee.

In order to protect yourself from robberies and breaking and entering, speak with one of our loss prevention professionals for more information on home alarm systems.

Don Mills is a Toronto neighbourhood located in the North York area of the city. Don Mills was Canada’s first planned community. The boundaries of Don Mills are York Mills Road in the north, Eglinton Avenue in the south, the Don Valley Parkway in the east and Leslie Street in the west. In the area from York Mills Road south to Lawrence Avenue, from Leslie to the Don River, there are 1.65 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the area. There are 7.27 property crimes in that area. East of the Don River to the Don Valley Parkway, still between York Mills Road and Lawrence, there are 6.88 crimes against people per 1000 and 14.61 crimes against property. South of Lawrence Avenue to Eglinton Avenue between Leslie Street and Don Mills Road, there are 1.37 crimes against people per 1000 and 6.88 crimes against property. From Don Mills Road east to the Don Valley Parkway, between Lawrence Avenue and Eglinton Avenue, there is an average of 2.68 crimes against people and 14.41 crimes against property. Like all neighbourhoods, Don Mills unfortunately does have crime. In June of 2009 a man was shot in the neighbourhood during a robbery. From the Toronto Star:

Toronto police have arrested one suspect and are looking for another after a man was shot Tuesday near Eglinton Ave. E and Don Mills Rd. Police received a call for a robbery and shooting on St. Dennis Dr. There, they found a man suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. On Friday morning, police arrested one man in connection to the case, and released a description of another suspect.

Later that summer, in August 2009, another man was beaten during another robbery. From MyTownCrier.ca:

A man received minor injuries after he was whipped and robbed during an early morning swarming near Don Mills Rd. on July 28. At about 3 a.m. five men exited a vehicle and approached the man, police say. One of the men grabbed him, demanding cash. A second man then produced a cable and began to whip the victim numerous times.

More recently, in August 2011, a woman was sexually assaulted while asking for directions near Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue. From Global Toronto:

A woman not familiar with the area was asking for directions and police say a man offered to help her. It is alleged the man took the woman on a short cut through an apartment building and once inside, sexually assaulted her.

These crimes show that no matter how safe a neighbourhood appears, you always need to be aware of what is going on around you and be alert in regards to your surroundings. In general, having security cameras installed at homes and businesses can go a long way to preventing crime. When police have access to surveillance footage it becomes possible for them to correctly identify suspects and determine exactly what happened in any given criminal investigation. Security camera footage is also important evidence in criminal cases and can lead to prosecuting criminals. For more information on how security cameras can protect your neighbourhood, please visit the security cameras section of our website or talk to a loss prevention expert by contacting us.

The Discovery District is a neighbourhood located in downtown Toronto. Its name is derived from the high concentration of hospitals and research institutions in the neighbourhood. The neighbourhood is centered along University Avenue and contains Queen’s Park and the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as well. The boundaries of the main Discovery District and College Street in the north, Dundas Street in the south, Bay Street in the east and McCaul Street in the west. Sometimes the area west of McCaul Street to Spadina Avenue is considered part of the Discovery District. The Discovery District is closely related to the nearby University of Toronto campus. Some consider this two regions part of one larger neighbourhood. The boundaries of the University of Toronto neighbourhood are Bloor Street in the north, College Street in the south, Spadina Avenue in the west and Bay Street in the east. As the two neighbourhoods are directly touching, they are often considered one region.

Discovery District & University of Toronto Crime Statistics

In the neighbourhood bordered by Bloor Street, Queen’s Park Crescent, College Street and Spadina Avenue, there is an average of 4.51 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the region. There is an average of 31.61 crimes against property per 1000. In the area bordered by Bloor Street, Bay Street, College Street and Queen’s Park Crescent, there is an average of 4 crimes against people per 1000 and 12.51 crimes against property. South of College Street, in the area bordered by Bay Street, Dundas Street, University Avenue and College, there is an average of 4.35 crimes against people and 28.08 crimes against property. There is an average of 5.84 crimes against people and 24.22 crimes against property in the area bordered by College Street, Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street and University Avenue.

Discovery District & University of Toronto Crime

In December 2011, a woman was stabbed near Spadina and Cecil Street, which is located between College and Dundas. From the Toronto Sun:

In addition to suffering life-threatening wounds early Saturday, a Toronto woman plunged three storeys from an apartment building near Spadina and Cecil St. When she hit the sidewalk, the victim — who had already been knifed in the stomach — broke her pelvis and suffered facial injuries, police said. Her age was not released, but the attack was described as domestic-related. Her condition was upgraded Sunday to stable but critical condition at a downtown hospital. As a result, investigators are still trying to determine if her fall from the balcony was a desperate life-saving jump, an accidental fall or if she was pushed. Only she and her accused attacker were in the apartment, police said. The exact status of their relationship was not available.

In July 2011, a man was stabbed in Queen’s Park. From City News:

Toronto police are searching for a suspect after a man was stabbed multiple times following Saturday’s Afrofest celebration at Queen’s Park. The victim was attacked around midnight at Queen’s Park Circle. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

In April 2009 a woman was stabbed at Museum subway station near Queen’s Park Crescent and Charles Street. From CBC News:

The woman was stabbed in the head shortly after 1 p.m. as she left the train but was able to make her way upstairs to the ticket booth, where a Toronto Transit Commission employee called police. She was taken to hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. According to Toronto police, transit employees recognized the suspect as a frequent customer and security video was used to identify him.

Security cameras provide excellent evidence that can be used to identify criminals and determine exactly what happened at a crime scene. For more information on how surveillance cameras can protect you and your property, please visit our security cameras section or contact us today.

Davisville Village is a Toronto area located near Yonge Street and Davisville Avenue, close to Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The region is actually broken up into two neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant West and Mount Pleasant East. These neighbourhoods are divided by Mount Pleasant Road.

More from our Davisville Village Crime Report

The two neighbourhoods in the Davisville Village area have similar crime rates. While there is a very low rate of crimes against people, property crime rates are average for the city. Our Davisville Village crime report shows this clearly. According to 2006 stats, in Mount Pleasant West, there were an average of 4.28 crimes against people per 1000, and 13.01 crimes against property. The situation is similar in Mount Pleasant West. There were 3.37 crimes against people per 1000 and 13.24 crimes against property. Mount Pleasant East saw 3.22 break-ins per 1000 in 2008 while Mount Pleasant West saw 3.03 breaking and entering cases per 1000 people. While crimes against people are low in the area, they unfortunately do occur from time-to-time. In 2009, a woman walking home near Glebe Road in the Yonge and Davisville area was assaulted. The 26-year-old woman was walking home from a bar during the night when she was attacked by two men in a vehicle. She was sexually assaulted and released. Police urged caution for anyone walking the streets alone at night and hoped that security camera footage from local businesses would offer some help. In 2008, a man who allegedly robbed a local store with a knife was shot and killed by police in Oriole Park near Davisville subway station. Most recently, two teens went on a crime spree in an underground parking garage at Yonge and Davisville. On May 11, 2011, police received a call stating that a break and enter was in progress. Police state that two youth suspects broke into about 40 different vehicles in the apartment building garage complex. They stole money, electronics, personal items and GPS systems during the spree. One teen was arrested and charged with over 100 charges ranging from mischief to theft. Police continue to search for the other suspect. These incidents further highlight the fact that security cameras can be vital in identifying criminals and that this evidence can be used to prosecute the people involved in crimes. In preparing our Davisville Village crime report, we looked at a variety of different crimes in the area and used this information to prepare the report.

Corktown is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located downtown. It is located south of Regent Park, below Queen Street and north of the Gardiner Expressway. It is located between Berkeley Street to the west and the Don River to the east. The area is a historic one that also includes Toronto’s Distillery District. There are also several vacant industrial buildings in Corktown, though some have been repurposed and used in other ways. The area also contains many row houses, businesses and public spaces. Corktown is one of Toronto’s most historic areas and is currently undergoing massive restoration and development. Like all Toronto neighbourhoods, there is crime in Corktown. The area between Queen Street and Eastern Avenue has an average of 6.81 crimes against people per 1,000 and 32.96 crimes against property. South of Eastern Avenue, including the Distillery District, there are 8.19 crimes against people and 29.22 crimes against property. When you are dealing with a neighbourhood that is under extensive change and renovation, there is always the possibility of crime. This is especially true when you are dealing with a neighbourhood that still has a number of vacant buildings. According to BlogTO:

The low-rent element might have left Corktown, but the streets are empty after dusk, and the main drags – King and Queen East – are still conspicuously bare. There are empty storefronts, and a startling paucity of retail, especially for a neighbourhood whose real estate turnover in the last few years saw it proclaimed a budding hot spot by the Toronto Star.

Criminals generally target areas  that seem empty and deserted. This gives them the opportunity to strike without being seen and allows them to escape the scene of  the crime without being noticed. They do not want to be caught and punished for their crimes and thus they choose areas where they feel that they will not be noticed. One of the best ways to fight against crime is to make it so that criminals can no longer hide. Installing exterior lighting around your home or business makes it much less difficult for criminals to sneak around. Motion-activated lighting is an excellent way to ensure visibility around your property. Motion-activated lighting will scare criminals away because they do not want to be caught and punished for their crimes. Also, because the lights only turn on when there is motion detected, they conserve energy as well. In addition to installing proper lightning around your home or office, you should consider installing security cameras as well. When combined with proper lighting, you will be able to capture detailed images from around your property. Security cameras work to deter criminals who would rather hit an easier target. In addition, if a criminal does decide to attempt illegal activity on your property, security cameras will catch them in the act. For more information on security cameras and how they can be used to protect your property, visit our section on surveillance cameras or contact us today.

CityPlace is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the downtown area of the city. The boundaries of the neighbourhood are Front Street in the north, Lake Shore Boulevard in the south, Blue Jays Way and the Rogers Centre in the east and Bathurst Street in the west. The area is perhaps best known for the large number of multi-story condominiums that have been recently built in the neighbourhood. Canoe Landing Park is also a landmark of the area. Much of the development in the CityPlace neighbourhood is centered around Fort York Boulevard and the smaller streets that intersect Fort York Boulevard.

City Place Crime Rates

There is an average of 3.7 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the region. There is an average of 17.44 crimes against property per 1000. These statistics include the area east of CityPlace as well. The statistics listed include the region as far east as York Street. However, it is important to note that crime does not stick to a predefined area. Checking out crime statistics for the surrounding area is often helpful as criminals cross streets and enter new areas often.

City Place Crime

In December 2010 a man was charged with a hit and run that killed a student just outside of the CityPlace neighbourhood near Wellington Street and Blue Jays Way. From the National Post:

A deadly hit-and-run on Saturday morning was no accident, according to Police. Vincent Dang was with friends in the club district when he was hit by a full-sized SUV. According to police, Mr. Dang was at the Rockwood Club at 31 Mercer St. when he got into an altercation inside the venue. At approximately 2:30 a.m., Mr. Dang was standing on the curb outside the club, when an SUV made a U-turn and hit the victim. The vehicle then left the scene heading southbound on Blue Jays Way. Paramedics brought him to St. Michael’s Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 3:30 a.m. Police describe the driver as a brown man between the age of 19 and 25. He has a thin build with a moustache and a goatee. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black jacket with stripes on the sleeves and collar. Homicide detectives are using footage from surrounding surveillance cameras to search for evidence.

The suspect was ultimately found and charged with second-degree murder. Video surveillance is often an important tool that law enforcement officials use to identify suspects. Installing video surveillance cameras on your property is an excellent way to fight crime. In October 2010 a man had his throat slashed in the area of Lake Shore Boulevard and Spadina Avenue. From the Toronto Star:

Police are searching for a male suspect after a man’s throat was slashed on Thursday at about 4:30 p.m. Const. Tony Vella said the victim was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries from Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Lower Spadina Ave. Vella said the man was attacked after a dispute broke out among a group of people underneath a bridge.

In October 2008, a shooting took place in the Bathurst and Lake Shore area. From CityTV:

A Saturday shooting that sent a man to hospital with four gunshot wounds has resulted in the arrest of a young offender. At around 5:30 pm, police responded to calls about a person with a gun at 25 Bishop Tutu Blvd. in the Lakeshore and Bathurst area. It’s alleged the youth had just attended a birthday party for an acquaintance’s four-year-old daughter when he and two still-unidentified males got involved in an argument with several other guests. That’s when the gun reportedly came out and the suspect allegedly fired several shots.

It is important to remember that crime can take place at any time and that you need to be prepared regardless of what area you live in. Security cameras, alarm systems, bars and gates and other home and business security tools are not only excellent ways to keep yourself safe in the event of a crime, but they also act as crime deterrents.

Church and Wellesley is a downtown Toronto neighbourhood. As the name suggests, it is located in and around the intersection of Church Street and Wellesley Street. The neighbourhood’s northern boundary is Charles Street and the southern boundary is Gerrard Street. Yonge Street is the western boundary and Jarvis Street is the eastern boundary. The Church and Wellesley neighbourhood is a mixture of housing options as well as commercial space, restaurants and bars. As it is located very close to the downtown core, the neighbourhood is often quite busy. It is a frequent tourist destination as well. As with all downtown Toronto neighbourhoods, there is some crime in the Church and Wellesley area. The region between Yonge Street and Church Street, between Bloor Street and Carlton Street, has an average of 10.67 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 32.58 crimes against property per 1000. East of Yonge Street to Jarvis Street, still between Carlton and Bloor, there is an average of 7.7 crimes against people per 1000 and 27.86 crimes against property per 1000. While these statistics cover a slightly larger region than what is generally accepted as the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood, they still manage to paint a picture of what crime is like in the area. It’s also important to remember that while crime varies across the city it does not stop along predefined boundaries. Criminals do not think about the official City of Toronto neighbourhoods when they seek to cause trouble. In November 2010, three people – two men and a woman – were arrested following an alleged attempted convenience store robbery on Church Street near Wellesley. In July 2011, a man was arrested for allegedly posing as a police officer and stealing money from victims in the Church and Wellesley area. From Inside Toronto:

Investigators report the man recently approached several men in their 60s and 70s near Church and Wellesley streets. He allegedly told the men he was an undercover officer and requested to see their identification. The suspect then removed cash from the victims wallets as he was questioning his victims. The suspect then told his victims he would come back in a few moments but never returned. At no point did the man show police identification. None of the victims have been injured during the robberies, which have taken place at various times of the day from early afternoon to late at night.

In situations such as these ones, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and to think carefully before you make any decisions. The same is true in the case of Spring Phillips. From the Toronto Star:

If someone needed a place to stay, Spring Phillips would offer her home. That naiveté, police say, may have led to her death. The 26-year-old was found dead in her 27th-floor Wellesley St. E. apartment on Saturday. Police have arrested a man she had met just days earlier. Det. Hank Idsinga called the murder “disturbing,” and said Phillips’ one-bedroom unit showed signs of a struggle.”There was quite a lot of blood throughout the apartment. It looked like it did carry on for some time,” he said. Neighbours told police they heard screaming and fighting coming from the apartment sometime after 12:30 a.m. Saturday, but no one called police, Idsinga said. Security footage from the apartment shows Aggek leaving the elevator just before 5 a.m., police said. In the video, a man calmly walks out of the building, pausing to bend down and pick up what appears to be a cigarette butt off the floor. Phillips’ body was later discovered by a former boyfriend who had come by to pick the woman up to go shopping. “There was obvious trauma to the body,” said Idsinga.

This situation also highlights the fact that security cameras are vitally important in the fight against crime. Footage from surveillance cameras can identify suspects, help determine what happened at a crime scene and lead to convictions. SafeTech Alarm Systems offers a wide variety of security cameras, from home security cameras to business security cameras. Installing a security camera can help protect you from becoming a crime victim as criminals often avoid areas that are under video surveillance.

While the Greater Toronto Area has several different areas that are commonly known as “Chinatown,” the largest and perhaps the most well-known is located along Dundas Street West near Spadina Avenue. The actual boundaries of this neighbourhood are not strictly defined, but the common thought is that the neighbourhood runs north to just below College Street and south to just above Queen Street. The eastern boundary is typically considered to be University Avenue and the western boundary is Spadina. Spadina and Dundas is the major centre of the area. There are many Chinese businesses in the region (hence the name) and the majority of these are located along Spadina Avenue. There are many smaller stores and two large shopping malls in the area: Dragon City and Chinatown Centre. This Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatown’s in North America. As with all downtown Toronto neighbourhoods, there is unfortunately crime in the area. Between Spadina Avenue and University Avenue, from Dundas Street West to Queen Street West, there is an average of 7.23 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the area. There are 31.03 crimes against property. North of Dundas Street to College Street, still between Spadina and University, there is an average of 5.84 crimes against people per 1000 and 24.22 crimes against property. In March of 2011 the Toronto Police began to crack down on “petty crime” in Chinatown. From CBC News:

Toronto police are starting a 10-week crackdown on petty crime in Chinatown that they say is aimed at improving the quality of life for residents and visitors. Operation Blue Rabbit, as it’s called, got underway Thursday. It involves deploying more officers in the neighbourhood to focus on vandalism, graffiti, liquor offences and some minor drug crimes. “Nuisance crimes are certainly around. We continue to have issues with thefts from autos,” said Const. Ben Eng, who has been patrolling Chinatown since the 80s. “Certainly pickpocketing in particular …”

Unfortunately, crime in Chinatown sometimes leaves the realm of “petty crime” and becomes more serious. In July 2010 a 64-year-old woman was sexually assaulted during the early morning. Also from CBC News:

A 64-year-old woman was riding her bike near Baldwin Street and Spadina Avenue just after 5 a.m. when she was attacked, police said. Police also say he has an unkempt appearance, and is estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old.

These crimes highlight the fact that it is important to be aware of yourself, your belongings, your surroundings and those nearby at all times. Regardless of the area that you are in or the time of day, crime can still happen. Also, in July 2010, a teenage boy was murdered inside of a restaurant in Chinatown. From the Toronto Sun:

Gunfire rang out in a packed Chinatown restaurant early Saturday leaving one man dead. Toronto Police said the city’s latest murder happened just after 3 a.m. Saturday inside Excellent Cantonese Seafood on Spadina Ave. The lone victim was in the restaurant with others just before the shooting, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Some reports, unconfirmed by police, indicated he was shot in the head. Police are continuing to collect surveillance video taken around the restaurant.

Video surveillance is often the key to solving many crimes. Footage from security cameras is incredibly valuable to police and it is often the first piece of evidence that officers look for. Installing security cameras in your home or business can help identify and capture suspects as well as provide strong evidence in court.

As its name suggests, the Casa Loma neighbourhood is located near Casa Loma in Toronto. The neighbourhood boundaries are St. Clair Avenue in the north, the CP railway tracks in the south, Spadina Road in the east and Bathurst Street in the west. The neighbourhood is a primarily residential one. The main non-residential aspect of the region is Casa Loma itself.

Casa Loma Crime Rates

The crime rate for the area is generally considered to be average. There is a low amount of crime against people. On average there are 5.93 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the region. The rate of crime against property is average. There is an average of 29.23 crimes against people per 1000 living and working in the area.

Casa Loma Neighbourhood Crime

While the Casa Loma neighbourhood generally had a small amount of crime, there are obviously still crimes that take place in the region. It is also important to remember that criminals do not stop at arbitrary boundaries like neighbourhood dividing lines. Therefore understanding the crime rates of the surrounding regions is important. Nearby neighbourhoods include Forest Hill and the Annex. As for crime in the area, Toronto police issued a warning in March 2011 after a potential sex offender was spotting trying to enter a number of area homes. From CBC News:

Police said the first incident took place at about 10:30 p.m. ET Saturday night when police responded to a call of a suspicious person in the area of Bathurst Street and Claxton Avenue. According to police, a man cut the window screen of a woman’s ground-floor apartment and tried to gain entry. Less than 24 hours later, police responded to another call of a suspicious person in the area of Spadina Road and Delavan Avenue. In that incident, a man was found looking in the window of a woman’s home. Toronto Police Det. Sgt. Savas Kyriacou told CBC News that there have been a total of five such incidents in the same general area within a week.

There are a number of ways that you can protect yourself from situations like these. Bars and gates on windows and doors, home security systems, surveillance cameras and motion-activated lighting are all security tools that can keep homes safer. Lighting is an incredibly important yet often overlooked security feature. Criminals often prefer to hide under the cover of darkness in order to commit crimes. By installing lighting in appropriate areas (such as above windows and doors, near driveways, walkways and garages and around the perimeter of your property) you can deter criminals from seeing your home as a target. Also, in the event that a criminal does decide to target your home, he or she will be spotted easier and/or captured on video surveillance more clearly. Motion-activated lighting is an excellent tool for this purpose as it only turns on when it senses nearby activity. In June of 2010, a teenager was stabbed and killed in the Casa Loma neighbourhood area. From CBC News:

Police released the identity Monday of the teenage stabbing victim who died after an argument in the Bathurst Street and St. Clair Avenue area Saturday night. Justice Ferrigno, 16, was pronounced dead in hospital after he was found slumped on a lawn in the area. Investigators said he became involved in some kind of argument with another teen. The dispute escalated between the pair and Ferrigno was stabbed several times, police said. Investigators were looking into whether the murder was connected to one of two parties going on in the area that night.

It is important to always be vigilant and aware of what is going on around you and to leave an area as soon as possible if things seem dangerous or if you start to feel uneasy.

Cabbagetown is a Toronto neighbourhood located in the city’s downtown core. The neighbourhood’s northern boundary is Wellesley Street while Gerrard Street is the southern boundary. Cabbagetown goes as far west as Sherbourne Street and east to the Don River. The area consists of many single-family homes, many of which are well-preserved Victorian houses. Cabbagetown is home to a very diverse class of people. Artists, musicians, journalists, writers, professors, doctors, social workers and students all live in the neighbourhood. There is also a number of businesses in the region, including restaurants, bars, cafes and other stores. Unfortunately, like a Toronto neighbourhoods, it is also home to crime. In the area between Wellesley Street and Carlton Street and west of Parliament Street, there is an average of 11.27 crimes against people per 1,000 people living and working in the area. There is an average of 33.85 crimes against property in that area. Near Allan Gardens – the area bordered by Carlton, Gerrard, Sherbourne and Parliament – there is 28.23 crimes against people and 49.85 crimes against property. South Cabbagetown is the area that has historically been considered Cabbagetown. That area is east of Parliament and west to the Don River. In that area, there is an average of 15.91 crimes against people and 47.54 crimes against property. In 2010 a man broke into two Cabbagetown properties armed with a weapon. In the first situation he broke into a ground floor apartment near Parliament Street and Shuter Street and threatened the woman in the apartment with a knife. A few days later the same man entered a store near Parliament and Gerrard Street and assaulted the store’s female owner. Police released a sketch of the criminal to the public in hopes of finding out additional information. If security cameras had been present at either location, the police would have additional details about the suspect. Also, it’s important to pay attention to alternate entrances in an apartment or house. While many people take the necessary precautions to secure their front door, they often ignore alternate entrances such as screen doors, side doors and balconies. Criminals often use these entrances to break into properties. They should all be secured with strong locks, bars or gates. It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings at all time. Unfortunately, criminals pray on those who are distracted or otherwise occupied as well as those who look intimidated or unaware. Paying attention to your surroundings at all time is an important way to keep yourself safe. Even if you happen to live in a Toronto neighbourhood where crime is low, there is always a possibility for crime. The crime rate of Cabbagetown is quite average for the city of Toronto and thus taking important precautions could mean the difference between staying safe and becoming a victim of crime. When combined with a strong home security system or business security system, keeping an eye on your surroundings and preparing for as many potential criminal situations as you can goes a long way to protecting yourself and your property.

Bayview Village is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the former city of North York. It’s boundaries are Finch Avenue in the north, Highway 401 in the south, Bayview Avenue in the west and and Leslie Street in the east. It is located just east of the Willowdale neighbourhood. The neighbourhood is made up of a a variety of different property, from single family homes and larger condominiums to retail stores, restaurants and shopping centres. There is also a large amount of parkland nearby. There is a relatively small amount of crime against people in the region, but crimes against property are average for the City of Toronto. In the area bordered by Leslie Street and Burbank Drive in the east, Sheppard Avenue and Citation Drive in the north, Bayview Avenue in the west and the 401 in the south, there is an average of 4.27 crimes against people per 1000 people living and working in the neighbourhood. There is an average of 18.12 crimes against property per 1000. North of that area up until Finch Avenue, there is an average of 7.36 crimes against people and 9.45 crimes against property. In March 2011, a teenage girl was sexually assaulted near Bayview and Sheppard. The 17-year-old was approached by five males ranging between 17 and 20 years of age. She was threatened with a knife, grabbed and taken into an alleyway where she was sexually assaulted and robbed. In September 2008, a woman was found dead in her apartment near Bayview and Sheppard. She was tied to a chair and appeared to have been stabbed to death. From the Toronto Star:

Police, firefighters and ambulance paramedics who responded to a 911 call found the woman, in her 20s, in a fourth floor apartment of a low-rise on Talara Dr. near Bayview Ave. and Sheppard Ave. E. about 6:30 p.m. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A man, also in his 20s, pulled his T-shirt over his head as he was escorted from the building by police. He may have been the person who found the victim and called police.

In September 2009 a man was shot and killed in the Leslie and Finch area. From CBC news:

The Toronto police homicide unit is investigating the fatal shooting of a man at a housing complex Monday night. Police officers arrived at the Field Sparroway complex near Leslie Street and Finch Avenue East around 8:45 p.m. Monday after hearing reports of gunfire and screaming. Sheldon Anthony Henry, 23, had been shot several times, police said. His body was found at the front door of one of the homes in the complex.

Safety and security is a concern in every neighbourhood. Being aware of the possibility of crime and taking steps to protect yourself, your family, your property and your belongings is the right path to take. SafeTech Alarm Systems specializes in residential and commercial security as well as surveillance cameras, security guards and more. Contact us today for more information.

The Bay Street Corridor, also known as Bay Cloverhill, is a downtown Toronto neighbourhood that is located along Bay Street. The neighbourhood’s northern boundary is Bloor Street and the southern boundary is Front Street. The western boundary is University Avenue and the eastern boundary is Yonge Street. The neighbourhood is filled with high-rise condominiums, apartments and office towers. There are many street level businesses including stores, bars and restaurants. Since the neighbourhood is located in a very central downtown location, there is unfortunately crime in the area, as their is in all downtown neighbourhoods in all major cities. There are a variety of different areas in the Bay Street Corridor neighbourhood and the crime rates in each area are different. This table displays different crime rates in the Bay Street Corridor/Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood:

Area	Crime Rate
Area bordered by Bloor Street, College Street, Queen’s Park Avenue and Yonge Street	Average of 4 crimes against people per 1,000Average of 12.51 crimes against people per 1,000
Area bordered by College Street, Queen Street, University Avenue and Yonge Street	Average of 4.35 crimes against people per 1,000Average of 26.08 crimes against property per 1,000
Area bordered by Queen Street, Front Street, University Avenue and Yonge Street	Average of 1.07 crimes against people per 1,000Average of 6.81 crimes against property per 1,000

The Bay Street Corridor is one of the Toronto neighbourhoods that sees the highest burglary rates in the City of Toronto. Unfortunately, other crimes take place in the neighbourhood as well. In an incredibly shocking and high-profile situation, a 15-year-old girl was shot and killed by stray bullets on Boxing Day in 2005. The shooting took place near the Toronto Eaton Centre at Yonge Street and Dundas Street. From CTV.ca:

Up to 15 people were involved in a Boxing Day shootout among hundreds of shoppers on the sidewalks of Yonge Street in downtown Toronto. Two men are in custody, but no charges have been laid by police in the incident that killed one person and wounded six others. A 15-year-old girl was killed as gunmen sprayed the area with bullets. An off-duty police officer was among those wounded. The injured officer did not require hospitalization, while at least two of the other five victims taken to hospital were in serious condition.

Unfortunately this case shows that innocent bystanders can become victims of crime. In 2008, another innocent person was shot and killed on Yonge Street near Bloor Street. From the Toronto Star:

Toronto’s second homicide of 2008 happened around 1 a.m. on Saturday, near Yonge St. and Bloor St., after the two accused men were thrown out of the strip club. After walking away, the suspects returned with a handgun and fired at one of the bouncers, police say. The bullet struck a passer-by in the head near the club entrance. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In 2009, a woman was stabbed near Yonge Street and Elm Street as she tried to break up a fight. From CP24:

A Toronto woman has been arrested after another woman was stabbed in the chest on Friday night. The altercation began near Yonge and Elm Streets at about 10 p.m. when a woman tried to step in during a dispute between two people. One of them a pulled a knife and stabbed the women in the chest, leaving her with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

In 2009, a man was shot and killed in front of a Bay Street condominium. The attack appeared to be targeted. From CityNews:

A man has died in hospital after he was shot in the back outside a Bay Street condo overnight. Around 3:20am Sunday, people reported hearing five or six gunshots near Bay and Wellesley streets. When police arrived in the area, they found a man, believed to be in his 30s, lying on the ground… He had been shot in the back and bystanders had been performing CPR on him until paramedics arrived. The man was rushed to St. Michael’s Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Police say he did not live in the condo. “The victim in this matter was dropped off in a white limousine. Apparently the suspect we’re looking for was waiting nearby,” explained Graham Gibson of the homicide squad.

Unfortunately in a large city, crime can break out at any time and innocent people can be impacted by it. In order to stay safe, you need to remain vigilant at all times and aware of your surroundings. In addition, having a home alarm system and a video surveillance set up can protect you from crime. It is incredibly important that you feel safe in your own home. For more information on home security systems and how you can protect yourself, please contact SafeTech Alarm Systems today.

The Annex is a downtown Toronto neighbourhood. It is located between Bloor Street and Dupont Street. The western boundary is Bathurst Street and the eastern boundary is Avenue Road. The Annex is close to the University of Toronto campus and is home to many students and faculty as well as affluent university graduates and other professionals. The Annex is very densely populated with single-family homes. As with all Toronto neighbourhoods, there is crime in the Annex. While the rate of crime against people is relatively average for the City of Toronto, the number of crimes against property are quite high. There is an average of 8.16 crimes against people before 1,000 people living and working in the area. However, there are 23.75 crimes against property per 1,000 people. In April 2011, five Annex residents had the tires on their vehicles slashed. Many suspected that these crimes were committed in relation to the Canadian federal election. The criminal or criminals who vandalized the cars was not identified. Having security cameras on those Annex homes and proper lightning on the properties would have not only identified the perpetrator but also likely prevented the crimes from occurring in the first place. Security cameras and motion-activated lighting frequently act as crime deterrents. Unfortunately, crime in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood is sometimes more serious than vandalism. In July 2009, a 23-year-old man was shot and killed in an alley near Bloor Street and Brunswick Avenue. Apparently the murder was the result of a robbery attempt. The victim left a nearby bar and was confronted by two men who attempted to steal his necklace. In the ensuing confrontation, the man was shot and killed. The suspects grabbed the necklace and jumped into a nearby car to get away. While the murder was certainly a tragedy, the one positive aspect of this case is that the incident was captured on video by nearby surveillance cameras. Security cameras are often used by police to identify suspects and determine the events that took place during a crime. In this particular situation, police used the footage from nearby security cameras to put together the details of the encounter as well as to determine the identities of the two criminals. The two men accused in the murder would not have been identified without the surveillance camera footage. Both men are considered “armed and dangerous” and have “violent criminal histories.” Charges were later dropped against one man while the other remains at large. The Annex was also the scene of several swarming attacks earlier in 2009. There were numerous incidents where a group of six to 12 men surrounded a victim and demanded valuables and money. At least one man was stabbed in one of these swarmings. Security cameras and surveillance equipment should be used on all properties. Security cameras can capture crimes on video and greatly increase the likelihood of criminals being identified and caught. Police frequently ask if there is any video surveillance footage available when they arrive at a crime scene. Footage from security cameras is incredibly valuable evidence.

Agincourt is a Toronto neighbourhood that is located in the former City of Scarborough. The region is located along Sheppard Avenue. The western boundary is Kennedy Road and the eastern boundary is McCown Road. Agincourt stretches as far south as Highway 401 and north to just above Finch Avenue. Agincourt is sometimes considered to be an even larger area by some. Agincourt is a very diverse and family-oriented Scarborough neighbourhood. There are a number of schools, shopping malls, restaurants and more in the area along with many single-family homes. However, Agincourt, like the rest of Toronto and all other large cities, still has some issues with crime. On average, there are 3.29 crimes against people per 1,000 people living and working in the area. There are 12.32 crimes against property. This is about average for Scarborough and for the City of Toronto. While Agincourt is generally considered a relatively safe Toronto neighbourhood, there are still some incidents of robberies, burglaries and other serious crimes. For example, in August of 2010, a woman was attacked and sexually assaulted in the Brimley Road and Huntingwood Drive area in Agincourt. She was struck by an unknown man from behind in the early morning and sexually assaulted. She managed to escape without suffering serious injury. More recently, two victims driving a vehicle in the Cleadon Road and Valdor Drive region near McNicoll Avenue and Brimley Road were hit from behind by an SUV. When the man and woman who were hit got out of their car to inspect the damage when they were attacked by the man who hit them. A struggle ensued and the victims were robbed of a wallet, sunglasses and a cell phone. The suspect indicated that he was holding a knife and a gun during the robbery. Unfortunately some much more serious crimes have taken place in Agincourt as well. In July of 2010 a man in his 20s was shot and killed in the Sheppard Avenue and McCowan Road area. Another man was shot in the attack as well, but he was taken to the hospital and released later. The victims were shot in a parking lot of an apartment building during the night. It appeared that the suspects had targeted their victims. Police did obtain security footage from nearby surveillance cameras that they used to help them in the case. The video footage allowed them to identify the vehicles involved in the shooting. They captured the actual murder on video as well. In many cases, the police use video footage from local security cameras to aid them in the identification, apprehension and prosecution of criminals. Security footage is powerful evidence. Installing security cameras on your property is an excellent way to protect your property and deterring criminals. Criminals understand the power of video surveillance footage. They know that this footage can be used to identify them and hold them accountable for their crimes. This is how video security cameras act as crime deterrents and keep you and your property safe.