Neighbourhood Crime Reports

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.