Crime is up in Waterloo Region and the increase is larger than national and provincial averages, according to Statistics Canada.
A report presented to the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board on Wednesday indicated both violent and non-violent crime had risen in 2015.
The report showed there were three homicides in the region in 2014 compared to six last year. Attempted murders were down year-over-year, going from seven in 2014 to two in 2015.
The Crime Severity Index, a weighted measure based on both the volume and severity of crime, increased in Canada, Ontario, and Waterloo Region by 5%, 2%, and 7.4% respectively.
Focusing on violent crimes alone, Canada saw a 6% increase, Ontario a 3% increase, and Waterloo Region a 6.2% increase last year.
The report points out however, that while violent crime is increasing in the region, it remains lower than national and provincial levels.
Locally, person-to-person robberies were up 27% and assaults were up 7%.
Non-violent crime in the region also increased and remains above the provincial level.
The report shows locally fraud rose 13%, identity theft 3%, break and enter 10%, and car theft by 30%.
“Person-to-person robberies are often motivated by quick opportunities – whether it’s electronics; whether it’s jewelry; whether it’s quick cash,” police chief Bryan Larkin told CTV. “Generally those crimes could be related to addiction.”
Larkin said it is not time to hit the emergency button. He said the community needs to continue to invest in prevention and dealing with the root causes of crime.
The numbers also reveal that both nationally and locally, crime is lower now than it was a decade ago.
