The number of homicides in Winnipeg was down slightly last year compared to 2016, but 2017 saw more violent crimes and property crimes in total.

Winnipeg Police have released their 2017 statistical report. Violent crime is up seven per cent, property crime is up nine per cent, and drug crime has risen 15 per cent.

Police Chief Danny Smyth said the use of methamphetamine has increased dramatically in Winnipeg and across Manitoba over the past couple years. He said behaviours associated with the drug are putting a strain on city resources.

“There are two specific crimes that I watch closely because they’re pretty good indicators of some of the aggressive behaviour associated to the drug trade. Aggravated assaults have gone up in virtually every area of the city – a 42 per cent increase over the five-year average –, and our robberies have gone up significantly as well, placing us number one in that category in the country,” said Smyth today. He, along with Mayor Brian Bowman and Police Board chair David Asper, was speaking to reporters about the WPS 2017 Statistical Analysis Report.

A Winnipeg Police infographic shows methamphetamine possession charges have gone up 890 per cent from 2012 to 2017.

Chief Danny Smyth said this is a community crisis that requires a community and government response. He says he sees gaps in treatment – specifically initial stabilization treatment – and in gang-exit programs.

“Sadly, not a week goes by where I don’t talk to a parent who’s begging me to arrest their kid for meth use because it’s the only way they can access treatment or ensure their safety. This is tragic,” said Smyth.