Canada is a very safe country. The 2022 Global Peace Index ranks it as one of the top 15 safest countries in the world. This means that it is not known to be a dangerous place.

Unfortunately, crime can happen anywhere, even in the safest places. If you want to learn more about Winnipeg, here are some facts about the city:

1. Most crimes are property crimes

   These are things like breaking into a building, stealing, lying to get money, and stealing from a store. Something is more likely to be stolen from your car than your house.

   The only type of crime that has gone up in 2021 is violent crime. This includes hitting someone, killing someone, taking someone away against their will, and taking something from someone using force. In 2021, there were 43 killings and 1,911 robberies.

   

   Source: Winnipeg Police Service 2021 Statistical Report

2. Transcona and River Heights are the safest neighbourhoods in Winnipeg

      
   Winnipeg is divided into four districts. These are North, Central, East, and West. The West district has the highest crime rate. The Central district has the second highest crime rate. Most of the crime in all areas is property crime.

   

   

   Source: Winnipeg Police Service 2021 Statistical Report

   Transcona and River Heights have the least amount of violent crime. Downtown and Point Douglas have the most violent crime.



Source: Winnipeg Police Service 2021 Statistical Report

3. Visible minorities (people of colour) are more at risk than white people for hate crimes

      
   Since 2020, hate crimes have gone up. Most of the victims were Black people. In fact, 95% of all hate crimes were against people who were not white.

4. Winnipeg has a high crime index

      
   Winnipeg has a higher crime rate than other cities in the Prairie provinces and in Canada. However, cities in Eastern and Central Canada have a lower crime rate than those in the Prairie provinces and the Territories.



Source: Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2021 by Greg Moreau, Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics, Stat Can.

5. You can help protect yourself and reduce the crime rate

   Here are some ideas:

   • Get to know your neighbors and join a community group.
   • Make sure your home and business are secure.
   • Walk with friends or family to stay safe.
   • Tell the police if you see something suspicious.

   The City of Winnipeg gives money to programs that help keep people safe and prevent crime. You can see a list of these programs here.

If you are feeling stressed about crime, or have been affected by it, you can call the Klinic Crisis Line. This line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The number is 204-786-8686. You can talk to someone about your feelings and get help.

 
By Nastashya Wall
 
Sources: WPS 2021 Annual report; and Police Reported Crime Statistics 2021, Statistics Canada. Accessed January, 2023.