Crime Statistics

Is Brantford, Ontario Safe?

Brantford is improving — but it remains one of Ontario’s higher-risk mid-size cities. The city’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) was 70.7 in 2024, sitting above both the Ontario average (60.7) and cities like Guelph (56.0) and Toronto (59.4), though it trails the national average of 77.9. Overall criminal violations edged up approximately 3% from 2023 to 2024, though the five-year trend remains on a downward trajectory.

Where Brantford homeowners need to pay closest attention is motor vehicle theft — at 332 incidents in 2024, Brantford’s rate is 41% above the provincial average. Break-and-enters, while declining significantly (down 38% from 2020), still produced 333 combined residential and business incidents last year. Mischief and fraud round out the top property crime concerns citywide.

The good news: neighbourhood-level crime is concentrated. Outside of the Downtown Core, Eagle Place, and Terrace Hill, much of Brantford — particularly West Brant, Holmedale, and Brier Park — offers a significantly safer living environment. Knowing your area’s risk profile, and protecting your home accordingly, is what this report is designed to help with.

2024 Brantford Crime Statistics at a Glance

Source: Brantford Police Service 5-Year Statistical Analysis Report, September 2025

Brantford vs. Comparator Cities — Crime Severity Index 2024:

Source: Statistics Canada, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Brantford

What is Brantford’s crime rate in 2025?

Brantford’s Crime Severity Index was 70.7 in 2024, sitting above the Ontario provincial average of 60.7 and above neighbouring cities like Guelph (56.0) and Toronto (59.4), but below the national average of 77.9. The city recorded 5,679 total criminal code violations per 100,000 population — slightly above its five-year average. While the overall five-year trend is downward, crime ticked up approximately 3% from 2023 to 2024.

Is Brantford one of the most dangerous cities in Ontario?

Brantford has historically carried a reputation as one of Ontario’s higher-crime mid-size cities, and statistically that reputation has some grounding. Its 2024 CSI of 70.7 places it above most southern Ontario cities of comparable size. However, it falls well short of Thunder Bay (107.7), and its five-year trend is moving in the right direction. Motor vehicle theft is the standout concern — Brantford’s rate is 41% above the Ontario average — while break-and-enters have declined sharply (down 38% since 2020).

Which are the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Brantford?

The areas with the highest crime concentration in Brantford are Eagle Place (Southside), Downtown Core, and Terrace Hill. Eagle Place consistently records the highest rates of violent crime and drug-related activity in the city and has a well-documented history of gang and organized crime presence. Downtown Brantford has a 1-in-15 chance of victimization overall, with a 1-in-20 chance of property crime specifically. Safer areas include West Brant, Holmedale, Brier Park/Fairview, and Echo Place.

What crimes are most common in Brantford?

Assault leads all criminal categories with 809 incidents in 2024, followed by mischief (767) and fraud (485). For property crime specifically, motor vehicle theft is the most pressing concern at 332 incidents — 41% above the provincial rate. Residential break-and-enters (212) and business break-and-enters (121) are declining but remain significant. Fraud, while consistent with provincial averages, is growing in complexity due to multi-jurisdictional and cybercrime components.

Is property crime getting better or worse in Brantford?

The five-year picture is largely positive for property crime. Break-and-enters are down 38% since 2020, mischief is down 11% from the five-year average, and robbery is down 14%. Motor vehicle theft is the exception — it has remained stubbornly consistent over five years, and Brantford’s rate sits 41% above the provincial norm. The Brantford Police Service joined the Provincial Auto Theft Team in 2024 and maintains a full-time seconded member on that team as a direct response.

Crime by Neighbourhood: Brantford’s Safety Map

Higher-Crime Areas

Eagle Place (Southside)

Eagle Place is Brantford’s most crime-concentrated neighbourhood and is widely known as the city’s most challenging area. Located on the south side of the city near Mohawk Lake, Eagle Place has a long history of gang activity, drug trafficking, and associated violent and property crime. Poverty, housing instability, and proximity to abandoned industrial sites have contributed to persistent challenges. Residents in Eagle Place and adjacent streets face the highest victimization risk in the city for both violent and property crime. If you live near this area, a monitored alarm system and exterior cameras are not optional extras — they’re baseline protection.

Downtown Core

Downtown Brantford has a 1-in-15 overall victimization rate, with property crime risk at 1-in-20 for residents and businesses in the immediate area. Drug activity, theft, and mischief are concentrated here. Community revitalization efforts through Wilfrid Laurier University’s downtown campus expansion have brought positive change to parts of the core, but the surrounding streets remain elevated risk for property crime, particularly after dark. Business break-ins, HVAC unit theft, and vandalism are ongoing concerns for commercial properties.

Terrace Hill

Terrace Hill is among the neighbourhoods with elevated crime activity in Brantford, with property crime and mischief as the primary concerns. Economic pressures and housing density in this area correlate with higher-than-average incident rates. Residents report that vehicle theft and break-ins are the most common issues experienced in the neighbourhood.

East Ward

East Ward sees above-average crime activity, particularly for property offences and drug-related incidents. It borders areas of higher concentration, which contributes to spillover effects on residential streets.

Ava Heights

Ava Heights has historically recorded higher crime rates relative to the broader city, particularly for theft and mischief. Residents in this neighbourhood benefit from visible security deterrents — cameras and alarm signage are particularly effective here.

Safer Neighbourhoods in Brantford

West Brant

One of Brantford’s newest and fastest-growing residential areas, West Brant is a suburban neighbourhood with low crime rates. Families and professionals have gravitated here for newer housing stock, good schools, and a quieter community feel. Property crime risk here is well below the city average.

Holmedale

Holmedale is an established, primarily residential neighbourhood with strong community ties and lower crime rates. It’s considered one of the more desirable areas to live in the city and consistently records incidents below the Brantford average.

Brier Park / Fairview

Brier Park and Fairview are well-regarded residential areas on the city’s north and east sides. Crime rates here are among the lowest in Brantford. It’s worth noting that even in these areas, vehicle theft — which affects the city broadly — can occur, and basic home security measures remain worthwhile.

Echo Place

Echo Place is a quieter residential community with lower crime activity compared to central Brantford. It’s considered a relatively safe area and benefits from good community engagement.

Brentwood Park

Brentwood Park residents report a strong neighbourhood character and lower crime incidence. It’s among the recommended areas for families looking for safe residential options within the city.

Crime Trends: Brantford 2020–2024

The five-year story has two clear themes. First, the gap between Brantford’s CSI and Ontario’s average is narrowing — from roughly 25 points in 2020–2021 to just 10 points in 2024. That’s meaningful progress. Second, the 2023 milestone — zero homicides, the first in years — was followed by two homicides in 2024, both intimate partner violence cases in which charges were laid. That context matters: these were not random public violence incidents.

The sharpest positive trend is break-and-enters, down 38% from 2020 to 2024. The most stubborn negative trend is motor vehicle theft, which has remained flat over five years while its provincial peers have improved.

What’s Driving Crime in Brantford: Root Causes

Opioid Crisis and Drug-Linked Property Crime

Brantford has faced a well-documented opioid and illicit drug problem for over a decade, particularly concentrated in Eagle Place, the Downtown Core, and pockets of East Ward. Drug dependency is a primary driver of the opportunistic property crime — break-ins, theft, vehicle break-ins — that affects the broader city. The Brantford Police Service has acknowledged this link directly in public communications and community safety programs.

Motor Vehicle Theft: Organized Crime’s Reach

Brantford’s motor vehicle theft rate — 41% above the provincial average — reflects a pattern seen across Ontario but amplified locally. Vehicle theft is increasingly driven by organized, multi-jurisdictional criminal networks rather than opportunistic individuals. This is why the Brantford Police Service joined the Provincial Auto Theft Team in 2024 and maintains a dedicated full-time officer on that team. Keyless entry relay attacks on trucks and SUVs are the dominant method.

Firearms and Gang Activity

Despite an overall decline in weapons offences, the number of incidents in which a firearm was discharged with intent increased every single year from 2020 to 2024. The Brantford Police Service responded in 2024 by creating a dedicated Drug and Firearm Enforcement Unit within its Investigative Support section. Gang activity, primarily concentrated in Eagle Place, continues to drive the most serious violent crime in the city.

Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence remains a significant driver of assault statistics in Brantford. Both 2024 homicides were IPV-related. Assault against police officers (71 incidents in 2024) is also running well above the 10-year average of 52 per year, reflecting the challenging nature of calls in high-risk areas.

Geographic and Economic Factors

Brantford’s position as a post-industrial city with higher-than-average poverty rates in certain neighbourhoods creates the socioeconomic conditions that correlate with elevated crime. The expansion of Wilfrid Laurier University’s downtown campus has been a genuine positive force for the core area, and its effects are expected to continue as the campus grows.

What to Do If You’re the Victim of a Crime in Brantford

Emergency: Call 911

Non-emergency reports (discovered break-in, vehicle theft, fraud, mischief):

• Brantford Police Service non-emergency: 519-756-7050
• Online reporting (theft, damage, lost property): brantfordpolice.ca

Live crime map:

• Brantford Police Service Crime Map

Anonymous tips:

• Brantford-Brant Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or p3tips.com

For fraud and cybercrime:

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre.ca

After a break-in:

• Do not enter the property until police have cleared it
• Photograph all damage and missing property before touching anything
• Contact your home insurer immediately — get a case number from police first
• Back up any security camera footage before it overwrites — most systems loop every 24–72 hours

How to Protect Your Brantford Home: Practical Checklist

Brantford’s elevated motor vehicle theft rate and above-average property crime make layered home security particularly valuable here. Multiple visible deterrents working together make your home a far harder target than a neighbour with no security at all.

Vehicle protection

• Park inside a locked garage whenever possible
• Use a steering wheel club or wheel lock as a visible deterrent
• Store key fobs in a radio-frequency blocking pouch — relay attacks on keyless entry vehicles are the primary theft method
• Install a driveway camera that captures licence plates

Exterior security

• Visible cameras covering the front door, garage, and rear of the property
• Motion-activated lighting on all entry points — well-lit properties are consistently passed over by opportunistic offenders
• Trim hedges and shrubs at ground level — concealment near entry points is an invitation
• Use a timer for interior lights when away from home

Entry points

• Deadbolt locks on all exterior doors — standard knob locks can be defeated in seconds
• Reinforce door frames with long-screw strike plate hardware
• Pin or bar sliding patio doors
• Window security film on ground-floor windows deters smash-and-grab entry

Monitoring and alarms

• A professionally monitored alarm system is the single highest-impact security measure for Brantford homeowners. When triggered, it contacts emergency dispatch automatically — no need to be home, awake, or in cell range
• Smart doorbells with cameras let you monitor and record front door activity from your phone in real time
• Mobile app access to your security system means you can check and arm/disarm your home from anywhere

Community

• Register with the Brantford Police Service Crime Map to monitor activity near your address
• Brantford-Brant Crime Stoppers actively encourages tip submissions — suspicious activity reports have directly contributed to arrests in neighbourhood crime patterns
• Neighbourhood awareness is one of the most effective informal deterrents available

How SafeTech Can Help Protect Your Brantford Home

SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting Ontario homes and businesses for over 30 years. We serve residential and commercial clients across Brantford and surrounding Brant County with professional alarm installation, 24/7 monitored security, security cameras, and smart home integration.

Whether you’re in West Brant, Holmedale, Eagle Place, or the Downtown Core, SafeTech can assess your specific property risk and build a security solution that fits your home and your budget.

What Brantford residents get with SafeTech:

• Free alarm system with professional installation on a 36-month monitoring contract
• 24/7 ULC-listed monitoring station — emergency response triggered automatically within seconds of an alert
• Security cameras with night vision, weatherproofing, and remote mobile viewing from your smartphone
• Smart home integration — control lights, locks, thermostat, and your alarm from anywhere
• Vehicle and driveway camera options — particularly valuable given Brantford’s elevated auto theft rate
• 30+ years of Ontario expertise — local knowledge, not a national call centre

Get a Free Home Security Assessment Request Your Free Quote → Toll-free: 1-888-939-3733 Mon–Fri 8:30am–8pm | Sat 11am–4pm

About This Report

This report is compiled from publicly available data provided by the Brantford Police Service 5-Year Statistical Analysis Report (2020–2024), presented to the Brantford Police Services Board on September 3, 2025, and Statistics Canada’s Crime Severity Index data (2025 release). It is reviewed and updated annually. For current crime activity in your specific area of the city, use the Brantford Police Service live crime map at brantfordpolice.ca/news-and-statistics/crime-map.

Produced by SafeTech Alarm Systems, Ontario’s leading home and business security provider. All statistics are drawn directly from government and police sources and linked for verification.

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Related Resources:

• Brantford Police Service — Crime Map
• Brantford Police Service — Crime Statistics
• Brantford-Brant Crime Stoppers
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
• Statistics Canada — Crime Severity Index
• SafeTech Home Security Solutions

Is London, Ontario Safe?

Yes — with important caveats. London’s overall Crime Severity Index (CSI) dropped to approximately 56.2 in 2024, its lowest level in years and now below the national average of 73.7. The London Police Service reported the largest reduction in crime severity of any city in Ontario and across Canada in 2024 — a result of a historic $672-million, four-year policing investment that put 69 new officers on London streets.

That said, property crime remains the everyday reality for London homeowners. Theft led all crime categories at 10,353 incidents in 2024. Break-and-enters accounted for 1,139 incidents and motor vehicle theft hit 817 cases. Certain neighbourhoods — particularly East London, Old East Village, Hamilton Road, and the Downtown Core — recorded crime rates well above the city average.

The bottom line: London is getting safer at a measurable pace. But property crime, fraud, and neighbourhood-level risk gaps mean that home security remains a practical priority for residents across the Forest City.

 

2024 Crime Statistics at a Glance

Source: London Police Service 2024 Annual Report

London vs. National Average (Crime Severity Index):

London’s 2024 CSI represents a dramatic improvement from 2023 (64.3) and 2022, when the city was ranked third-highest in crime severity among Ontario’s twelve largest cities. The investment in police staffing is producing measurable results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in London, Ontario

What is London Ontario’s crime rate in 2025?

London’s Crime Severity Index fell to approximately 56.2 in 2024 — well below the national average of 73.7. The London Police Service recorded the largest CSI reduction of any city in Canada that year. Total criminal incidents continued a decline that has been underway since 2022. For property crime specifically, theft remains the highest-volume offence at over 10,000 incidents annually, followed by fraud (2,282) and break-and-enters (1,139).

Is London Ontario more dangerous than other Ontario cities?

As recently as 2023, London ranked third-highest in crime severity among Ontario’s major cities. By 2024, significant investment in policing has shifted that standing considerably. London’s 2024 CSI (~56.2) now sits below Hamilton (57.7), Kitchener-Waterloo (75.9), Brantford (77.1), and the national average (73.7). Toronto (51.5) and Ottawa (55.6) remain somewhat safer by this measure, but London’s rate of improvement was the fastest in the country in 2024.

Which are the most dangerous neighbourhoods in London, Ontario?

Based on London Police Service data and neighbourhood crime analysis, the areas with consistently elevated crime rates are: East London (street crime, assault, theft, gang activity), Old East Village (property crime, domestic incidents), Downtown Core (theft, drug-related activity, public mischief), Hamilton Road (break-ins, vehicle theft, assault — 4th most dangerous area in 2024), White Oaks (burglary, theft, youth-related incidents), Carling Heights (vandalism, burglary, property crime), and Argyle (elevated socioeconomic-linked crime). Conversely, Byron, Masonville, Lambeth, and Oakridge are consistently among the city’s safest areas.

What crimes are most common in London, Ontario?

Theft is by far the highest-volume crime in London at 10,353 incidents in 2024. Fraud (2,282 cases) is the second most common property crime and has remained elevated as phone, online, and in-person scams proliferate. Break-and-enters (1,139) and motor vehicle theft (817) round out the top property crime concerns for homeowners. Among violent crimes, assault leads with 2,442 cases.

Is property crime increasing or decreasing in London?

Property crime is decreasing overall, consistent with a trend that began in 2022. Break-and-enters and motor vehicle theft both declined in 2024 as part of London’s city-wide CSI improvement. Fraud, however, remains stubbornly elevated and was one of the few categories not to decline significantly. The London Police Service attributes property crime reductions in part to faster response times achieved after hiring 69 new officers in 2024 — the first improvement in response times in four years.

Crime by Neighbourhood: London’s Safety Map

High-Crime Areas

East London:

East London consistently records crime rates above the city average. Street crime, theft, drug-related offences, and assault are the primary concerns. Over recent years the area has seen increasing gang activity, contributing to a broader sense of insecurity. Residents should invest in strong exterior security — visible cameras, monitored alarms, and well-lit entry points.

Old East Village:

Known for its murals and arts scene, Old East Village carries a history of social challenges that drive elevated property crime and domestic incidents. Community organizations have made meaningful inroads, and crime is trending downward, but the neighbourhood’s crime rate still exceeds the city average. Assault and property crime are the most common reported offences.

Downtown Core:

The highest concentration of crime in London is found in the downtown area — consistent with most Ontario cities of similar size. Transient populations, nightlife, and economic disparity contribute to elevated theft, drug activity, and public mischief. The downtown is generally manageable during daytime hours but warrants additional caution at night, particularly in isolated parking areas.

Hamilton Road:

Hamilton Road was London’s fourth most dangerous neighbourhood in 2024. Break-ins, vehicle theft, and assaults are commonly reported. The corridor’s mix of residential and commercial properties, combined with economic pressures, creates ongoing vulnerability to property crime.

White Oaks:

White Oaks sees burglary, theft, and youth-related incidents at rates above the city average. Community revitalization efforts are underway, but residents here benefit significantly from monitored home security systems and exterior cameras.

Carling Heights:

Carling Heights reports regular incidents of vandalism, burglary, and property crime. Economic challenges in the area correlate with higher opportunistic crime rates. Residents report that visible security measures make a tangible difference to their personal sense of safety.

Argyle:

Argyle has drawn attention for socioeconomic pressures driving elevated crime, with particular concerns around theft and property damage. Community leaders are active in advocating for resources.

Westminster:

Westminster faces challenges with drug-related activity, including trafficking and associated theft and assault. Opioid-linked crime has been a specific concern for residents in recent years.

Northland:

Northland sees crime tied to youth gang activity and petty theft, including shoplifting and robbery. Crime levels fluctuate, but the area consistently records incidents above the city average.

Safer Neighbourhoods in London

Byron:

Consistently one of London’s safest areas, this southwest neighbourhood has low crime rates and a strong community presence.

Masonville:

Located near Western University, Masonville benefits from a mix of families, students, and well-maintained commercial areas. Crime rates are well below the city average.

Lambeth:

A suburban enclave with a quiet, small-town character. Lambeth’s large lots and low population density contribute to very low crime rates.

Oakridge:

A well-established residential neighbourhood with strong community ties and low property crime rates.

Old North:

Predominantly residential, Old North sees limited property crime relative to the city average, though no neighbourhood is entirely immune to break-ins or vehicle theft.

Crime Trends: London 2020–2025

The trajectory is genuinely encouraging. London went from being widely described as a “dangerous city” by its own police chief in 2023 — used to justify an emergency budget request — to recording the single largest crime severity reduction in Canada just one year later. The $672-million four-year policing investment is the primary driver, though socioeconomic factors and community programs also play a role.

What’s Driving Crime in London: The Root Causes

Historic Police Understaffing

For years, London operated as one of the most understaffed police services per capita in Ontario. This meant longer response times, lower clearance rates, and reduced deterrence. The 2024 budget correction — adding 69 officers and improving response times across all call categories for the first time in four years — has produced measurable results. But London is still catching up to appropriate staffing levels.

Opioid and Drug-Related Property Crime

As in most Ontario cities, a meaningful share of property crime in London — particularly break-ins, vehicle theft, and shoplifting — is driven by addiction-related desperation. Drug trafficking activity in Westminster, Hamilton Road, and parts of East London contributes to neighbourhood crime concentrations.

Economic Disparity and Urban Concentration

London’s crime pattern reflects a national norm: economic disadvantage concentrates crime risk. Neighbourhoods with lower household incomes, higher rental density, and less community infrastructure consistently record higher crime. This isn’t unique to London — it’s a pattern replicated in every mid-size Canadian city.

Fraud and Cybercrime Growth

Fraud at 2,282 incidents is the one property crime category resisting the downward trend. Phone scams impersonating the CRA, utility companies, and financial institutions continue to target London residents. Card skimming at retail locations remains an active concern. London Police Service has issued repeated public advisories about specific scam operations in the city.

What to Do If You’re the Victim of a Crime in London

Emergency: Call 911

Non-emergency reports (discovered break-in, vehicle theft, fraud, mischief):

• London Police Service non-emergency: 519-661-5670
• Online reporting: londonpolice.ca

Anonymous tips:

• London Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or p3tips.com

For fraud and online crime:

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre.ca

After a break-in:

• Do not enter until police have cleared the scene
• Photograph and document all damage and missing property before touching anything
• Notify your home insurer immediately
• Save and back up any security camera footage before it overwrites

How to Protect Your London Home: A Practical Checklist

The most important principle in home security is layering — multiple visible measures working together make your home a dramatically less attractive target than a neighbour with nothing in place.

Exterior

• Security cameras covering the front door, garage, and rear of property
• Motion-activated lighting at all entry points
• Keep hedges and shrubs trimmed — don’t create hiding spots
• Ensure your address number is clearly visible (faster emergency response)

Entry points

• Deadbolt locks on all exterior doors — standard knob locks are trivially defeated
• Reinforce door frames with strike plate hardware
• Sliding door security bars or pins
• Window film on ground-floor windows (deters smash-and-grab)

Vehicle

• Park in a locked garage when possible
• Never leave valuables visible in your vehicle
• Consider a steering wheel lock or vehicle alarm for cars parked outside overnight
• Protect key fobs — radio-blocking pouches prevent relay theft of keyless entry vehicles

Monitoring and alarms

• A professionally monitored London alarm system triggers emergency response automatically — even if you’re asleep, travelling, or out of cell range
• Smart doorbell cameras let you see and record activity at your front door from anywhere
• Regular security checks via mobile app ensure you always know your home is secured

Community

• London Police Service provides a live crime map (90-day rolling window) at londonpolice.ca/services/crime-map — check it to understand activity near your address
• Neighbourhood watch programs are active in many London communities; GSPS supports new group formation
• Report suspicious activity — many London break-ins are preceded by reconnaissance activity that neighbours notice but don’t report

How SafeTech Can Help Protect Your London Home

SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting Ontario homes and businesses for over 30 years. We serve residential and commercial clients across London and the surrounding region with professional alarm installation, 24/7 monitored security, and smart home integration.

Whether you’re in Byron, White Oaks, Masonville, or Old East Village, SafeTech can assess your property and build the right layered security solution around your specific risk profile and budget.

What London residents get with SafeTech:

• Free alarm system with professional installation on a 36-month monitoring contract
• 24/7 ULC-listed monitoring station — emergency response triggered automatically within seconds
• Security cameras with night vision, weatherproofing, and remote mobile viewing
• Smart home integration — control lights, locks, thermostat, and your alarm system from anywhere
• 30+ years of Ontario expertise — not a national call centre, but a team that knows this province

Get a Free Home Security Assessment Request Your Free Quote → Toll-free: 1-888-939-3733 Mon–Fri 8:30am–8pm | Sat 11am–4pm

About This Report

This report draws on publicly available data from the London Police Service 2024 Annual Report, Statistics Canada’s Crime Severity Index (July 2025 release), and neighbourhood safety analysis from verified regional sources. It is reviewed and updated annually. For current crime activity in your specific area, use the London Police Service live crime map at londonpolice.ca/services/crime-map.

Produced by SafeTech Alarm Systems, Ontario’s leading home and business security provider. All statistics are drawn directly from government and police sources.

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Related Resources:

• London Police Service — Official Crime Map
• London Crime Stoppers
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
• Statistics Canada — Crime Severity Index Data
• SafeTech Home Security for London, Ontario

Greater Sudbury’s overall crime severity index sits at 66.36 — meaningfully below the national average of 77.89, according to the most recent Statistics Canada data. Overall crime dropped by 4% in 2024, and it’s now at its lowest point since 2015.

That’s genuinely good news. But the picture is more nuanced for residents concerned about their home and property. Violent crime severity (106.2) still exceeds the national rate (99.87), and property crime — break-and-enters, vehicle theft, and fraud — remains a daily reality for thousands of Sudbury households. Understanding where crime happens, what types are trending, and what you can do about it is what this report is for.

2024 Crime Statistics at a Glance

Sources: Greater Sudbury Police Service 2024 Annual Statistics Report; Statistics Canada Crime Severity Index 2024

The trend line is encouraging: Sudbury’s crime severity index is at its lowest in nearly a decade. However, the increase in calls for service — even as criminal incidents fall — suggests that residents are more aware of and responsive to suspicious activity in their communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Sudbury

What is the crime rate in Greater Sudbury?

Greater Sudbury’s overall crime severity index was 66.36 in 2024, which is about 15% below the Canadian national average of 77.89. This represents a 12% drop from the previous year and the lowest recorded level since 2015. In terms of individual risk, residents face approximately a 1-in-30 chance of being a victim of property crime and a 1-in-87 chance of violent crime annually.

What are the most common crimes in Sudbury?

Property crimes are the most common category in Greater Sudbury, particularly break-and-enters, motor vehicle theft, mischief, and fraud. Fraud was the only major property crime category to increase in 2024, rising 1.3%. Among violent crimes, incidents involving intimate partner violence represented a significant share of calls, with GSPS responding to 3,449 such incidents in 2024.

Which neighbourhoods in Sudbury have the highest crime?

Downtown Sudbury, the Donovan, Flour Mill, Elm West, and the West End have historically recorded higher crime concentrations, particularly for property offences and drug-related activity. That said, the downtown core saw a dramatic 39.7% overall crime reduction in 2022, and trends have continued to improve. The GSPS Crime Plot tool (available on the GSPS website) shows a real-time 30-day map of property crime by location across the city.

Is property crime increasing or decreasing in Sudbury?

Property crime decreased by 3.8% in 2024. Break-and-enters fell by 9.9% and motor vehicle thefts dropped by 6.6%. Fraud was the exception, increasing modestly by 1.3%. These are positive trends, though property crime — especially B&Es — remains one of the top concerns for Sudbury homeowners.

Is Sudbury safe compared to other Ontario cities?

Sudbury’s overall crime severity index of 66.36 compares favourably to the national average, though its violent crime severity index of 106.2 exceeds both the national (99.87) and provincial figures. Compared to cities like Thunder Bay or Sault Ste. Marie, which have historically higher crime indices, Sudbury sits in a middle tier. Within Ontario, Sudbury’s property crime rate is elevated relative to southern Ontario cities, partly reflecting Northern Ontario socioeconomic factors.

Crime by Type: What Sudbury Homeowners Need to Know

Break-and-Enters

Break-and-enters remain the property crime most likely to affect Sudbury homeowners directly. While the 2024 numbers show a 9.9% decrease — a real and welcome improvement — B&Es still represent hundreds of incidents annually across the city. Offenders typically target homes that appear unoccupied, with no visible security measures, and easy access points like unsecured side or rear doors.

Winter is a high-risk season in Sudbury. Long dark evenings, snowbirds leaving properties unattended for weeks, and heavy snowfall that masks activity around a property all create opportunities for break-ins. If you’re travelling for an extended period, having your home look occupied — lights on timers, a cleared driveway, and a monitored alarm — makes an enormous difference.

Motor Vehicle Theft

Vehicle theft dropped 6.6% in 2024, but Sudbury continues to see meaningful theft activity, particularly in residential driveways overnight and in mall and big-box parking areas. Pickup trucks and SUVs with keyless entry remain primary targets. Parking inside a garage when possible, using a steering wheel club, and installing a driveway camera are effective deterrents.

Fraud

Fraud is the one property crime category that increased in 2024, up 1.3%. Scams targeting Sudbury residents include utility fraud impersonators, romance scams, CRA phone scams, and distraction-based card theft at retail locations. GSPS and Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers have both issued advisories about groups operating card skimming and PIN theft schemes at local shopping centres.

Mischief and Vandalism

Mischief dropped 9.1% in 2024. However, it remains a persistent issue in certain areas — particularly the downtown core, industrial zones, and properties that back onto wooded or trail-access areas. Security cameras visible from the street are one of the most effective deterrents for opportunistic vandalism.

Crime by Neighbourhood: Where Incidents Are Concentrated

Understanding neighbourhood-level crime helps residents make informed decisions about home security. Here’s an overview based on GSPS data and local reporting. (For the most current 30-day picture, use the GSPS Crime Plot tool at gsps.ca.)

Downtown Core: Historically the highest-crime area in Sudbury, the downtown saw a dramatic 39.7% overall crime reduction in 2022 with continued improvements. Drug-related activity, homelessness, and associated property crime (theft, mischief) remain challenges, particularly in commercial areas. Residents in adjacent residential pockets — between the downtown and Flour Mill — are advised to maintain strong perimeter security.

The Donovan: The Donovan, immediately north of downtown, has seen elevated property crime rates relative to the city average. It recorded a 10.4% crime reduction in 2022 and trends have continued in a positive direction. Break-and-enters and vehicle-related crimes are the primary concern for residents.

Flour Mill: Flour Mill saw one of the sharpest crime reductions in recent years — 30.8% in 2022. Community engagement efforts and increased GSPS presence have contributed to these gains. Property crime awareness remains important, particularly for older homes with easier entry points.

Elm West: Elm West has a documented history of property crime, including break-ins and auto theft. Economic pressures in the neighbourhood correlate with higher-than-average B&E rates. Residents here are among those most likely to benefit from a monitored home security system.

West End: The West End has experienced increases in both assault and property crime in recent years. GSPS data has flagged this area for periodic spikes, and community groups have been active in crime prevention initiatives.

Ramsey Lake / Minnow Lake: These areas tend to see seasonal spikes — particularly during summer months when homes are left vacant. Burglary and theft from unattended properties are the key concerns. If you have a cottage or secondary property near Ramsey Lake, security cameras and monitored alarms are essential.

New Sudbury / Lasalle / South End: These established residential neighbourhoods generally record lower crime rates, though no part of the city is immune to break-ins. Car theft from driveways and package theft from doorsteps are growing concerns in these areas as they are across Canada.

Sudbury Junction: Property crimes — particularly break-ins and vehicle theft — have been flagged as recurring issues in Sudbury Junction. Residents here report a watchful community, which is one of the most effective informal deterrents available.

What’s Driving Crime in Sudbury: The Root Causes

Understanding the underlying factors helps explain why certain types of crime persist even as overall statistics improve.

The Opioid and Toxic Drug Crisis: Greater Sudbury Police Service Board declared a toxic drug crisis epidemic in 2025 to secure additional government funding. There were 134 suspected drug toxicity deaths in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts in 2024 — a rate that far exceeds pre-pandemic levels. The connection between drug dependency and property crime (B&Es, shoplifting, vehicle theft) is well-documented, and GSPS has been direct about this link in its annual reporting.

Organized Crime from Southern Ontario: GSPS has documented a pattern of criminal enterprises migrating from southern Ontario into Northern Ontario markets. These organizations primarily traffic in illicit substances and persons, and their presence in Sudbury contributes to the elevated violent crime severity index. Officers seized over 30 firearms from organized crime-linked individuals in 2021–2022 alone.

Mental Health Call Volume: Mental health-related calls increased 7% in 2024, reaching 3,344 incidents. While mental health calls are not criminal incidents, the increased call volume reflects social pressures in the community and competes for the same GSPS resources that respond to property crime.

Crime Trend: 5 Years in Context

The 2022 spike — driven largely by a record 12 homicides and a jump in violent crime — was an anomaly. The trajectory since then has been clearly downward, and 2024’s crime severity index represents the best result for Sudbury since 2015. The trend is moving in the right direction.

What to Do If You’re the Victim of a Crime in Sudbury

If it’s an emergency: Call 911.

For non-emergency reports (break-in discovered after the fact, vehicle theft, fraud):

• Call Greater Sudbury Police Service non-emergency line: 705-675-9171
• File an online report at gsps.ca for lower-priority offences

Anonymous tips:

• Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers: 705-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at sudburycrimestoppers.com

For fraud and cyber crime:

• Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre.ca

After a break-in:

• Do not enter the property until police have cleared it
• Document everything for insurance before moving or cleaning up
• Contact your home insurer immediately
• Preserve any camera footage before it overwrites

How to Protect Your Sudbury Home: A Practical Prevention Checklist

The most effective crime prevention is layered — multiple measures working together make your home a much harder target than a neighbour with no security at all.

Exterior deterrents:

• Install visible security cameras at front door, garage, and rear of property
• Use motion-activated lighting on all entry points
• Keep shrubs and hedges trimmed — don’t give intruders places to hide
• In winter, ensure paths are shovelled to maintain an occupied appearance

Entry point security:

• Reinforce door frames and use deadbolt locks on all exterior doors
• Secure sliding doors with a bar or pin
• Add window locks or window film to ground-floor windows
• Don’t leave ladders or tools accessible — they can be used to reach second-floor access points

Monitoring and alarms:

• A professionally monitored alarm system is one of the strongest deterrents available. Studies consistently show that homes without security systems are 2–3x more likely to be targeted by burglars
• Smart doorbells with video allow you to see who’s at the door and receive alerts when you’re away
• Connect your system to 24/7 professional monitoring so emergency response is triggered automatically — no need to be home or even awake

Community measures:

• Join or start a neighbourhood watch in your area (GSPS actively supports this)
• Get to know your neighbours — even casual familiarity creates natural surveillance
• Use the GSPS Crime Plot tool regularly to stay aware of activity near your address

How SafeTech Can Help Protect Your Sudbury Home

SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting Ontario homes and businesses for over 30 years. We provide professional alarm installation, 24/7 monitored security, security cameras, and smart home monitoring across the Greater Sudbury area.

Whether you’re in the Donovan, New Sudbury, Lasalle, or anywhere across Northern Ontario, our team can assess your property and build a security solution around your specific needs — not a one-size-fits-all package.

What Sudbury residents get with SafeTech:

• Free alarm system with professional installation (36-month monitoring contract)
• 24/7 ULC-listed monitoring station — emergency response triggered within seconds
• Security cameras with night vision and remote viewing from your phone
• Smart home integration: control lights, locks, and your alarm from anywhere
• Local expertise and fast response — not a call centre somewhere else

Ready to protect your home? Get a Free Security Assessment → Call SafeTech toll-free: 1-888-939-3733 Available Mon–Fri 8:30am–8pm | Sat 11am–4pm

About This Report

This report is compiled using publicly available data from the Greater Sudbury Police Service annual crime statistics reports, Statistics Canada’s annual Crime Severity Index, and local reporting from Sudbury.com and CTV News Northern Ontario. It is updated annually. For the most current neighbourhood-level crime activity, visit the GSPS Crime Plot tool at gsps.ca.

This report is produced by SafeTech Alarm Systems, Ontario’s leading home and business security provider. SafeTech does not manufacture, alter, or misrepresent crime data — all statistics are drawn from government and police sources with links provided.

Brampton Crime Prevention & Community Safety community cohesion and safety can account for variations in crime rates as well as the overall sense of community and on crime prevention and community safety such as Brampton … about Crime and Safety in the Region of Peel: A qualitative assessment of connections between the social and built environment and crime in three neighbourhoods, 2013

Community Policing & Brampton Public Safety as an effective tool in repairing community, police relations.51 These include “community policing and problem solving Charanjit Bassi attempted to enter the Brampton Courthouse Police oversight: Civilian oversight boards and lessons learned from our neighbours to the north, 2017

Hamilton Ontario Neighborhood Safety & Quality of Life This paper examines perceptions of quality of life in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada from the perspective of residents and key community stakeholders. The following themes were highlighted as significant to neighbourhood quality of life: (1) housing quality and affordability (2) diversity and cultural integration; (3) crime and safety; (4) community engagement and recreation; (5) green space and the physical environment, and; (6) transportation. Comparing Recent Crime Trends in Canada and the United States, L Di Matteo

Canadian Urban Crime Trends & Statistics This study presents and compares via recent violent and property crime rates (crimes per 100,000 population) across major urban areas in Canada and the United States at the census metropolitan area level. Comparing Recent Crime Trends in Canada and the United States, L Di Matteo

Optimizing Home Security Device Placement Homeowners are increasingly turning to a variety of smart devices, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security cameras, to protect their living spaces against potential dangers like burglary, fire, and environmental hazards. However, their effectiveness largely hinges on how well they are placed within the home. Proper placement of these safety devices ensures that they provide maximum coverage, reduce blind spots, and optimize their capabilities to detect and respond to security threats effectively. Improving Home Security Through User Centered Device Positioning, 2025

Toronto Crime & Safety Map

Explore the Safety Scores of 50+ Toronto Neighbourhoods — Updated for 2025

Every neighbourhood in Toronto has its own story — its culture, its community, and yes, its risk level. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, landlord, or business owner, knowing the crime trends in your area helps you make smarter decisions about security, safety, and peace of mind.

SafeTech Security has created the most comprehensive Toronto Crime & Safety Map available online, analyzing crime scores across 50+ major neighbourhoods using public data, trends, and incident reports.

Explore your neighbourhood below — and discover how safe it really is.

Why We Built This Map

Toronto homeowners and businesses deserve transparent, easy-to-understand safety information — without digging through complex police datasets.

This map was created to:

• Help residents understand neighbourhood crime trends

• Assist homebuyers and investors in making informed decisions

• Provide businesses with risk awareness

• Highlight areas where security systems can reduce risk

• Offer a community-focused, data-driven resource for public safety

Is Your Toronto Neighbourhood Safe?

Understanding local crime levels helps you:

✔ Strengthen your home security

Break-ins and property crime often cluster in predictable neighbourhood patterns. See how your area compares.

✔ Protect your business

Toronto businesses face higher risk in certain pockets. Use the map to identify vulnerabilities.

✔ Make informed real estate decisions

Buy, rent, or invest with confidence by reviewing neighbourhood crime trends.

✔ Plan smarter safety strategies

Knowing your risk level allows you to choose the right prevention tools:

• cameras

• alarms

• access control

• lighting

• monitoring

The Data Behind the Map

This map is based on:

• Public incident data

• Neighbourhood-level crime trends

• Historical patterns

• Comparative safety scoring models

• Predictive weighting based on property & violent crime factors

SafeTech updates these insights regularly to provide the most accurate overview possible.

Note: Crime levels vary block-to-block. This map reflects neighbourhood-level reporting trends.

About SafeTech Security

With over 30+ years of experience, 340+ 5-star reviews, and the 2025 Top Choice Award, SafeTech is one of Toronto’s most trusted names in home and business security.

We specialize in:

• Alarm Systems (Toronto & GTA)

• Security Cameras & Surveillance

• Access Control Systems

• 24/7 Monitoring

• Business Security Solutions

• Home Protection & Emergency Response

Our mission is simple:
Make Toronto safer — one property at a time.

Want Your Personal Safety Assessment?

Every neighbourhood has different risks. Every home and business has different needs.

Get a free safety and security assessment to understand:

• Your specific risk level

• Vulnerabilities in your home or building

• Recommended security solutions tailored to your area

• Costs, response times, and system options

Book Your Free Security Assessment Today

Your Safety Starts With Awareness — and Ends With Action.

Explore the map.
Learn your neighbourhood’s risks.
Then take the steps that keep your home, family, or business protected.

SafeTech Security is here to help — wherever in Toronto you call home.

At the end of September Statistics Canada released a report indicating that the amount of crimes going unreported in Canada is increasing. The crime rate report indicated that in 2009 only 31% of Canadians who were victims of crime ended up reporting that crime to the police. That number is down from 34% in 2004 and 40% in 1999. According to the report fewer Canadians are going to the authorities because they feel the police cannot do anything about it. The majority of these unreported crimes dealt with either property damage or theft.

These statistics are interesting for a few reasons. First of all it seems to directly contradict the statements many Canadian politicians are making with regard to the dropping crime rate in Canada. There is an argument that could be made that the crime rate is staying the same or growing, it is merely the amount of crimes that are actually reported that is decreasing. The second interesting point that this Statistics Canada report brings out is the fact that many Canadians feel that if they report a crime to the police nothing will happen. This is an alarming statistic that says a lot about the confidence Canadians have in the police force.

Increasing crime rate in Canada

It can be inferred from this report that the crime rate in Canada is actually increasing and that Canadians do not feel that the police can do anything about it. There has never been a better time to invest in a security surveillance system for your business or home. The vast majority of crimes that go unreported in Canada are property damage and theft. With a security surveillance system you can deter potential criminals from engaging in theft or property damage by threatening to catch them in action. Even if criminals persist despite the presence of cameras the video recording will give the police a great head start toward catching those responsible. There is no greater threat to a criminal then having their image directly tie them to a time and place where a crime occurred. There has never been a better time to equip yourself with the security equipment you need to keep your family or business safe. For more information on security surveillance equipment visit the SafeTech website.

Audio version of this article: https://www.safetechalarms.com/podcast/Unreported-Crime-Rate-Rising.mp3 Also you can download this audio file and you can listen on your personal MP3 player.

Property crime statistics by FBI

According to statistics released by the FBI, property crime cost an estimated $17.2 billion dollars in losses in 2008. The statistics, released as part of the FBI’s Crime In The United States publication, show the costly damage of property crime.

Property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson. There were approximately 9,767,915 property crimes in the United States in 2008. There was, however, a 5.3 percent drop in this type of crime between 2004 and 2008.

Burglary accounted for 22.7 percent of all property crime. There were an estimated 2,222,196 burglaries in 2008, up 2 percent from 2007.

There were 3.6 percent more burglaries in 2008 than in 2004 and 5.8 percent more than in 1999. 61.2 percent of all burglaries in 2008 involved forcible entry.

Far more residential properties were broken into than commercial properties. 70.3 percent of all burglaries were residential.