Ottawa police report 13.8 per cent drop in violent crimes in 2020
The Ottawa Police Service says a decrease in crimes reported in Ottawa in 2020 can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
The 2020 Ottawa Police Service Annual Report shows a 21.2 per cent decrease in reported crimes and a 13.8 per cent drop in violent crimes in Ottawa last year. There were fewer homicides, robberies, sexual assaults, assaults and charges for thefts under $5,000 in the capital in 2020.
A total of 33,613 Criminal Code of Canada offences were reported in the city of Ottawa in 2020, down from 42,675 reported crimes in 2019. There were 6,673 violent crimes reported to Ottawa Police in 2020, down from 7,739 in 2019.
"In 2020, there were declines in both the overall volume (13%) and severity (22%) of violent crime. Contributing to the decline in the violent CSI was a 40 per cent decline in the number of homicides to eight, with all cases solved," says the Ottawa Police Service Annual Report.
"Also contributing to the decline were a reduction in robberies (32%), sexual violations (16%), indecent and harassing communications (15%), and assaults (13%). In many instances, these declines can be attributed to a reduction in the number of face-to-face interactions occurring due to public health measures."
There were eight homicides in Ottawa in 2020, down from 14 in 2019 and 16 in 2018.
"Our Homicide Unit had its own success stories in 2020, with all eight homicide investigations resulting in the arrests and murder charges issued for persons responsible, for an unprecedented 100 per cent clearance rate," said the report. "Only one case remains open as police search for a second party, after arresting and charging one of the two involved in a murder."
Ottawa police say investigators cleared 44 per cent of all violent crimes in 2020, an increase from 42 per cent in 2019.
There was also a 22.9 per cent decrease in non-violent crime reported in Ottawa last year, with 26,940 incidents reported.
Statistics show there was a 45 per cent decrease in theft under $5000 charges, a 23 per cent decline in non-violent property-related offences, and what police call a "marked decline" in shoplifting and thefts from vehicles.
"This can be partially attributed to the closure of many businesses, facilities providing recreational programs, public libraries, schools, child care centres, bars and restaurants and performance venues to control community transmission of COVID-19," says the report. "These closures inadvertently reduced opportunity and mobility."
Police did report an increase in fraud and theft over $5000 charges in 2020.
Ottawa police received 314,294 calls for service in 2020, down from 345,760 calls in 2019.
The Ottawa Police Service Annual Report will be presented to the Ottawa Police Services Board on Monday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Canadian Auger-Aliassime reaches first Masters final in Madrid with another walkover
Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to his first ATP Masters final, and he hasn't had to play all that much tennis to do it.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.