Hamilton Sees Crime Drop, but Residents Remain Uneasy About Safety

According to a recent community safety summit in Hamilton, the city's crime severity index has decreased by 3% from 2023 to 2024, indicating a drop in both the amount and seriousness of crime. However, residents continue to feel on edge and unsafe, as the crimes that have occurred in recent years seem to be more brazen.

One concerning trend is the 14.5% increase in hate crimes during the same period, with the Black and Jewish communities being the most targeted. The police's hate crime unit has emphasized the far-reaching impacts of such incidents, which can instill a sense of fear in the affected communities.

The police chief, Frank Bergen, has acknowledged the disconnect between the statistical data and the public's perception of safety. He has called for the creation of a dedicated unit to address intimate partner violence, which remains a significant issue in the city. In 2024, police investigated over 6,500 occurrences of intimate partner violence, with over 1,170 people charged, predominantly men for crimes against women.

Despite a slight decrease in youth crime, the community is still grappling with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have impacted young people's mental health and access to support systems. The police and community organizations are working to address the underlying factors that may be driving some youth to engage in criminal activities, such as unemployment and household poverty.

As the city continues to navigate these challenges, the community safety summit provided a platform for various stakeholders, including police, paramedics, business owners, residents, and elected officials, to come together and explore ways to create a safer Hamilton for all.