Statistics Canada Report on Crime During COVID-19

 Last week, Statistics Canada published a report on Selected police-reported crime and calls for service during the COVID-19 pandemic, March to August 2020:

"During the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 17 police services across Canada reported that selected criminal incidents were down by almost one-fifth (17%) compared with the same period a year earlier. In contrast, the number of calls for service rose 8%, particularly wellness checks, mental health calls and calls to attend domestic disturbances."

"When the physical distancing measures that were introduced in mid-March to control the pandemic started easing in May, and businesses, services and public spaces gradually re-opened throughout the summer, the volume of crimes and calls for service began to rise."

According to the report, the police services surveyed serve 59% of the Canadian population.

Incidents reported to the police declined in 12 of the 13 categories measured. The only exception was for uttering threats by a family member.

Canada's national statistical agency cautions readers. Some of the categories included sexual assault and spousal violence and these are known to be underreported and accessing victim support services can be more difficult during the pandemic due to lockdown measures.