Did you know that a home is broken into every 90 seconds in Canada? If you haven’t yet thought about installing a home security system, it may be time to start. With the unsettling surge in crime rates across Canada, ensuring the safety and security of our homes has become more crucial than ever before. Statistics Canada’s most recent crime rate study reported that Canada saw the highest rise of violent crime since 2007. From petty thefts to more alarming incidents of burglary and vandalism, communities are facing heightened concerns about their residential safety. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the national statistics for the crime rate in Canada and the cause of its recent increase. Read on to uncover how investing in modern security technologies can provide peace of mind and bolster the defense of your household.
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The early part of the decade saw a fluctuating decline in the overall crime rate, continuing a trend from previous years. This was attributed to various factors including advances in security technology, more effective community policing practices, and ongoing social programs aimed at prevention. In the years leading up to 2020, however, Canada’s crime rate slowly began increasing once again.
Before the pandemic, Canada had already started seeing an upward trend in crime. This trend was interrupted by the pandemic’s government-mandated stay-at-home orders. The majority of the nation being stuck at home meant that it was less likely for the average Canadian to be victimized, and for common offenders to engage in criminal activity. Although many hoped this decrease would be able to sustain itself past the pandemic, it unfortunately did not.
Since then, the crime rate in Canada has been back on a steady incline, with motor vehicle theft having the greatest impact on the recent statistics. Other than motor vehicle theft, robbery and breaking and entering crimes also made up a big portion of crime reports, emphasizing the growing relevance of home security.
Generally, crime rates are measured via the Crime Severity Index (CSI), which tracks both the volume and seriousness of crime reported to police. As a whole, robbery was responsible for 39% of the increase in the Violent Crime Severity Index (CSI). Breaking and entering increased by 4%. Although this is lower than in 2019, breaking and entering still remains a top concern among Canadians. As one of the most common crimes, the police reported a total of 133,000 incidents of breaking and entering in 2022.
As for homicidal crime, law enforcement reported a total of 874 homicides in 2022, raising the overall homicide rate by 8% that year. 2022 is the fourth consecutive year to report an increase in homicides since the previous year. Additionally, 41% of the total homicides were caused by firearms, 63% of which were handguns.
Here is the 2024 crime index for Waterloo Region:
Although Waterloo boasts a smaller rate of crime than some of the worst cities in Canada it has had high to very high rates of crime increasing in the past 3 years.
This begs the questions, what exactly has caused the crime rate in Canada to increase so consistently? Experts believe the cause is a combination of a national mental health crisis and misguided regulations on how judges and police can enforce the law.
In the 1990s, Canada closed all their centralized psychiatric hospitals, believing that all patients needed for treatment were temporary hospital visits and antipsychotic prescription drugs. This has, unfortunately, not rang true, as mental illnesses across the country continue to go untreated. Canadians with psychiatric issues and a history of violence are reportedly ending up on the streets instead of in hospitals.
Furthermore, provincial governments across Canada have made calls for immediate action to reform Canada’s broken bail system caused by Bill C-75. This Bill initially sought to ensure that individuals accused of crimes were treated fairly. However, the bill has resulted in leniency by law enforcement in an effort to presume criminals as innocent before proven guilty. This has given offenders free-reign to seek bail and not attend court dates without consequence. Judges are no longer as able to take into account an offender’s history of violence, leading to consistent breaches in bail conditions.
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With the increase in crime rate, it’s no surprise that many Canadians are turning to residential security systems to equip themselves with the tools they need to protect themselves. A well-functioning residential security system acts as a formidable barrier, not just in a physical sense but also psychologically.
Modern residential security systems encompass a wide range of features designed to safeguard homes. The most optimal and well-rounded gear is not typically available off the shelf. These include high-definition surveillance cameras that offer real-time monitoring and recording capabilities and motion sensors that detect and alert homeowners to unusual activity, as well as integrated alarm systems that can notify local authorities immediately in the event of a breach. The presence of these systems can be a significant deterrent to burglars and other offenders who prefer easier, lower-risk targets.
Contemporary security solutions are now starting to integrate smart technologies for remote accessibility, which allows homeowners to monitor their property no matter where they are. This accessibility not only provides peace of mind but also enhances the ability to respond swiftly to any suspicious activities.
At JR Security Solutions, we craft a tailored security system to best suit you and your home’s needs. With access to the highest quality gear and a team of experts that know how to cover all potential vulnerabilities, you are guaranteed to experience enhanced security and peace of mind.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experts create your personalized security solution. From a complete CCTV system to comprehensive home access control, protect your home with a security system that’s tailored to your needs and budget.