Saskatchewan RCMP say violent crime is rising fast.
According to the RCMP, the north district, which includes communities near Lloydminster, accounted for over half of the province’s violent offences last year.
In 2024, 21,907 people reported being victims of violent crime, up from 15,160 in 2015, accounting for a 45 per cent increase.
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“The impacts of violent crime are felt in communities across Saskatchewan long after police investigations end,” said Insp. Ashley St. Germaine, senior investigative officer with the mountie’s major crimes branch.
The north district accounted for 51 per cent of all violent crime and 73 per cent of violent firearm offences last year.
“In the last 10 years, violent firearms offences have more than tripled in our jurisdiction,” said St. Germaine. “The reality is, this situation requires a complex policing response.”
Firearm offences jumped 252 per cent across Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdictions over the last decade. There were 493 such offences in 2024, up from 140 in 2015.
Assaults, including aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm, made up 62 per cent of all violent crimes last year. Threats and harassment accounted for 25 per cent and sexual assaults and other sexual offences made up seven per cent.
Robbery, forcible confinement, kidnapping, attempted murder and homicide made up the remaining six per cent.
Saskatchewan’s central district accounted for 28 per cent of the province’s violent crime in 2024, while the south district reported 21 per cent.
Firearm offences increased 67 per cent in the central district and 65 per cent in the south over the past decade.
“There are not only more victims of violent crime, but the violence is becoming more severe. Frontline officers and specialized units are working tirelessly to seize illegal weapons, remove illicit drugs and arrest offenders,” said St. Germaine, noting police can’t address the issue alone.
“At the end of the day, we can’t police our way out of this rise in violence,” she said. “A multi-faceted response is required.”
The RCMP says it’s working with health agencies, social services and community partners to address the root causes of violence.
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